A survey by the AA found that drivers still need to be convinced by electric vehicles (EVs), but younger drivers are more likely to buy them.
An AA Populus poll of 10,293 drivers found that people aged 45 plus were much less likely to want to own an EV than younger people, with 29% of 45-54 year olds wanting an EV and only a quarter of over 65s. In contrast, 50% of people aged 25-34 and 40% of those aged 18-24 said they would like an EV.
AA president Edmund King OBE, said: ‘The younger generation in particular are ready to embrace the electric revolution.’
According to the breakdown organisation, the majority of drivers’ perceptions of EVs are ‘myths’ and ‘broader concerted efforts are required to convince the public of the wide benefits of EVs’.
In the survey:
- 85% said that there are not enough public charging points for EVs.
- 76% agreed that EVs cannot go far enough on a single charge.
- 76% thought EVs are too expensive.
- 67% thought EVs take too long to charge.
- 67% thought there is not enough choice of EV models.
Mr King said: ‘In order to meet the Government’s Road to Zero targets a concerted effort is required to demonstrate the benefits of EVs and dispel some of the myths.
‘The range, charging speed and charging point infrastructure are all on the increase. There needs to be a more concerted effort by us all to sell the benefits of electric vehicles.
‘Drivers will also need to change their fuelling habits with the majority charging their EVs at night and then at their destinations.’
An AA spokesperson told Transport Network: ‘The UK is a little way behind other countries such as the Netherlands, which tops the table with over 35,000 public chargers compared with the UK’s 17,000.’
However, the spokesperson also pointed out:
- According to Zap-Map there are 17,059 connectors at 5,945 locations with 451 added over the past 30 days.
- EV range is ‘well within the capacity’ of the average car journey (8.9m) according to the government national travel survey. With some cars having a 250-plus range and others 120m depending on how you drive, i.e. avoiding motorways and using battery regeneration as much as possible.
- Several sources confirm it costs around £2-3 to drive an EV 100 miles compared with £16 for a conventional car, again depending how you charge the car, using off peak electricity overnight will have a low cost.
- In several places EV chargers are free to use at places like big shopping centres and some cities offer free parking for EVs. There is no congestion charge for EVs in London or Durham.
- There are 3,675 rapid chargers (i.e. offering around 50kWh charge rate) typically giving you 80% charge in 30 minutes. There is a new generation of faster chargers on the way (i.e. Tesla) delivering up to 150 kW, which will reduce that time ‘significantly’.
- Many vehicles are eligible for plug-in grants. Click here for more information.
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