Zenith calls for electric vehicle incentives | ICE ban consultation closing

Two-thirds of drivers have no imminent plans to make the switch to an electric vehicle (EV), despite the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles being just five years away.

The study, which was conducted by vehicle leasing company Zenith, comes as a Government consultation on the phase out of new petrol and diesel vehicles closes tomorrow (Tuesday, February 18).

More than a third (41%) of those surveyed by Zenith of those surveyed said that they had been encouraged to move to an EV if there were more affordable options available, with a third (33%) stating they would transition if the Government provided more financial incentives. 

The immaturity of the used market was also cited as an obstacle. While a pre-owned car provides a more accessible price point, the reliability of a used EV battery came into question, with more than a quarter (26%) of drivers stating they would be encouraged to transition if more used EVs came with guarantees on battery health.

Charging infrastructure is another barrier to those looking to move away from internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains. 

Despite a record number of public chargers being installed across the UK last year – and with the network growing by 35% since January 2024 – more than a third of drivers (35%) surveyed said they would not transition until charging infrastructure matured further.

Zenith, along with industry body the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), is calling on the Government to continue to incentivise the EV transition, support the used EV market and work with the sector to launch a campaign to eliminate common misconceptions and conflicting information. 

This, it says, would ultimately encourage more drivers to transition to a greener vehicle, allowing them to make a fact-based decision when it comes to purchasing an EV.

Andy Wolff (pictured below), commercial director of the corporate division at Zenith, said: “In the company car and salary sacrifice markets, we’re making major strides on the road to net zero. 

“The financial benefits of EVs in these two markets demonstrates that when supported, and incentivised, drivers will back the transition.

“However, our data shows that there are still barriers which need to be addressed if we’re to meet the expected 2030 deadline.” 

Wolf explains that there remain limited incentives for wider consumers to transition to EVs in the retail market. 

“By incentivising drivers and helping to resolve some of the common misconceptions around electric vehicles – especially when it comes to battery health and the charging network – we can work on transitioning those who are, as of yet, unconvinced by the move to electric vehicles, and ensure EVs work for all,” he added.

BVRLA director of policy and public affairs, Thomas McLennan, says that the industry is seeing the “positive impact” that effective incentives are having on EV adoption. 

“Targeted support is driving uptake of electric company cars and making EVs accessible to more people via salary sacrifice schemes,” he explained. 

“They alone cannot shoulder the growing weight of new registrations. Access to electric vehicles has to be expanded. 

“Having a healthy, sustainable used EV market holds the key. We are proud to see our sector leading the way and are continuing to work in collaboration with government and other critical stakeholders to help set the transition up for success.”