Electric Vehicles (EVs) and its charging accessibility remain the biggest factor for those who have not made the switch to EVs, according to a study by Venson Automotive Solutions.
A year after the government’s Road to Zero initiative company car drivers aren’t yet ready to make the switch, with 69% citing the UK’s charging set-up as their biggest concern.
Despite knowing the benefits of switching to EVs, just over three quarters of those surveyed had ‘range anxiety’ regarding EVs.
Alison Bell, marketing director at Venson Automotive Solutions said: “With charging and battery range concerns abated, EV fleets should now be far more appealing to businesses.
“The revised BiK charges which sees zero-emission electric vehicle tax liability for company car drivers fall from 2% to 0% for the tax year 2020-21, will also appeal to company car drivers which should boost demand for EVs in the next 12 months.
“Whilst our survey findings confirm a greater willingness by company car drivers to adapt to an EV world, there are still some ownership concerns. 41% of people we surveyed expressed concern over the practicalities of being able to charge their vehicle at home.
“And 30% said they had concerns over service, maintenance and repair costs.”
Nissan recently reported that there are now more EV charging stations (9199) in the UK than fuel stations (8396).
Department for Transport (DfT) also reported that the UK has a network of more than 24,000 public charging points across 9,000 locations.
Another worry was EV battery ranges, with 57% noting that concern. However, 86% of the surveyed motorists said they understood the costs, convenience and efficiency that owning an EV could bring.
Britain’s first fuel station opened in November 1919 at Aldermaston in Berkshire. However, Nissan’s 2016 prediction of more EV stations outnumbering petrol stations has come a year before its 2020 prediction.
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Kenneth Brown
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A writer, journalist, marketer and social media manager with a degree in English and History, Kenneth became a professional writer in 2011. In 2014 he started his own business covering business events, world title boxing fights, plus tutoring, a year-long charity role for Peterborough’s disability community and working at the Crop Protection Association. Kenneth is content producer for Bauer Media’s AM and Fleet News brands. His role involves producing content for the website, newsletter, social media and assisting in the magazine’s production.
Jeremy Duszynski - 20/08/2019 21:44
There may be more EV charging stations than UK fuel stations but how many pumps are there per fuel station. Many have in excess of 8 pumps per fuel station therefore EV still has a long way to go before reaching parity.