Drivers are increasingly turning their backs on electric vehicles, with the majority refusing to switch from petrol and diesel cars. New research reveals that two out of three motorists have no intention of buying an electric car, even with the looming 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles.
Survey Findings
A survey of 1,000 drivers found that 66 per cent are not considering purchasing an electric vehicle, up from 56 per cent in June 2024. One in four respondents cited the upfront purchase price as the biggest barrier preventing them from going electric.
Meanwhile, 16 per cent expressed concerns that electric vehicles cannot travel far enough on a single charge, and 12 per cent stated that a lack of charging points is putting them off making the switch.
Only one in five motorists said they would actively choose to switch to electric, while just eight per cent of those surveyed currently drive an electric vehicle. Seven per cent admitted they intend to wait until just before the 2030 deadline before making any decision.
Expert Commentary
Greg Wilson, chief executive and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: "Long-term forecasts show electric vehicles becoming the majority on UK roads within the next decade. However, our latest research highlights that many drivers still aren't personally ready to make the switch just yet, with a 'wait and see' approach emerging among motorists who are delaying decisions until much closer to the 2035 deadline."
Industry Perspective
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) noted that more models, including from often-cheaper Chinese manufacturers, and continued showroom price reductions were also driving forces behind the acceleration in EV sales.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: "Britain's car buyers are responding to a market offering more choice than ever, from both new and familiar brands, resulting in a robust May. The EV transition is progressing, but consumer uptake still lags behind even today's targets, let alone the ambition set out in the latest Carbon Budget."
He added: "While industry shares the long-term ambition, the pathway to net zero must be credible. It cannot come at the cost of lost competitiveness and deindustrialisation. A review of the transition is now urgent to ensure ambition matches market realities and we have a sustainable path to road transport decarbonisation."
