The number of drivers planning to make the switch to electric has jumped in the last year, new research has shown.
The figures reveal that 42% of drivers planning to change their car expect their next vehicle to be a low emission model – either hybrid or fully electric vehicle (EV). It’s a significant increase on a year ago, when 37% said they planned to make the switch to a battery-powered vehicle of some description (it was 33% in 2020).
Petrol or diesel cars are still on the minds of a good number of drivers however – 34% of those planning to change their car said they will opt for an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle next time, with 24% saying they haven’t decided yet.
But the figures, from automotive servicing company Kwik Fit, conclude that in the last year approximately 800,000 additional drivers have decided that they will opt for a low emissions vehicle for their next car.
Increased electricity costs putting buyers off
As EV registrations continue to show an upward curve the factors putting people off going electric have also been revealed. The main reason against is the rise in electricity costs, cited by 39% of those who are not considering switching to full electric for their next car.
After the rising cost of electricity, the reasons given most often by car owners for not switching to a full EV are the purchase cost compared with equivalent petrol and diesel alternatives, concerns over range on a single charge (range anxiety) and the lack of fast charging points in the areas they most commonly drive.
Younger drivers are more likely to opt for low emissions – more than half (51%) of drivers aged 18-34 say their next car will either be a hybrid or EV, compared with 34% of those over 55. Fewer female drivers (38%) say they will opt for a low emission vehicle next compared with male motorists (45%).
And London drivers are most likely to say their next car will be a low emission model, with 55% planning to switch to either electric or hybrid compared with 30% of those in the East Midlands.
