New research published by LeasePlan highlights a shift in favour towards electric vehicles (EVs), with 58% of UK drivers saying they have a favourable view of electric driving.
The EVs & Sustainability survey, which is conducted annually, found that more than half (51%) of respondents intending to get a new car in the next five years will consider an EV.
Concerns about perceived barriers have also decreased, with 40% (down from 64% last year) of respondents citing insufficient charging possibilities and 38% (down from 62% last year) mentioning limited driving range as reasons not to buy or lease an EV.
Despite this reduction in concern over barriers, it is clear obstacles remain. For those looking to buy, purchase price is cited as the main reason that over half of respondents (55%) would hold off.
Alfonso Martinez, managing director of LeasePlan UK, said: “We’re invigorated by the willingness of drivers to adopt a greener outlook and make the move to electric, yet we’re frustrated that most of the barriers that were there last year remain.
“With the race on to increase adoption before 2030, we urgently need to address these issues. LeasePlan and our partners have already done the homework: last year we outlined five easy-to-implement recommendations that provide a blueprint for sorting out the embarrassing state of charging infrastructure in Europe.”
Drivers are, however, increasingly seeing the cost benefits of EVs, with lower running costs topping the reasons to buy or lease an electric car (54%). Being green remains a factor for a third of respondents (34%) and government subsidies and tax benefits are key for one in five (22%).
Martinez added: “Now we need to see movement. Leaders need to step up and respond to public demand by investing in a universal, affordable and sustainable charging infrastructure, with clear and attainable support for manufacturers in a post-Brexit world. Simply put, the solutions already exist – what we need to see now is action.”
The LeasePlan EVs & Sustainability report can be viewed here: https://www.leaseplan.com/corporate/~/media/Files/L/Leaseplan/documents/news-articles/2021/report-mir-evs-and-sustainability.pdf
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
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