Confused motorists hesitant about EV switch, says Cap HPI

A new study from Cap HPI has revealed that consumers feel they don’t know enough about electric vehicles to tempt them to switch.

The study, carried out in conjunction with Leeds Beckett University, follows Volvo’s announcement that they will only manufacture EV and hybrids from 2019. 

Consumer interest in electric vehicles is soaring. The market for alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) saw a record market share of 4.4% in June with more than 10,700 hitting the roads, a rise of 29.0%.

However, the study of 388 participants, shows awareness of the range of EVs is low with a lack of knowledge about charging capabilities and longevity amongst 70% of consumers.

Cap HPI’s consumer director Fernando Garcia (pictured) said: “Alternative fuel vehicles including EVs and hybrids are growing in popularity year on year but the automotive industry needs to work with the Government to do more to convince people of the benefits and shoot down some of the myths.

“It’s apparent that consumers feel that they don’t have enough information about life with an electric vehicle.

"This represents a huge opportunity for the manufacturers to engage with motorists.

"It is therefore critical that the OEM dealer network is equipped to address the concerns of the consumer.

“With the distances covered by the average motorist being relatively short, fully electric cars are well suited to the vast majority of regular journeys. 

“Plug-in hybrids can also provide a good balance between range and efficiency plus the economic benefits for motorists can be enormous, offering big savings on fuel and tax costs as well as much lower maintenance costs.”