Two in five UK drivers are considering a switch to electric when selecting their next vehicle, according to a report from Close Brothers Motor Finance.
While sales figures remain relatively low, Close Brothers data from dealers and drivers has revealed a surge in EV interest over the last two years. The number of consumers considering an EV as their next vehicle has almost trebled since 2017 (15%). Online trends have also pointed to growing interest, with the number of search for electric vehicles doubling in the last two years.
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The survey of more than 200 UK dealers and 2,000 UK drivers also revealed that 20% of dealers have witnessed an uplift in EV interest. In preparation, one in eight dealers has sourced more alternative fuel vehicles on the assumption that demand would increase.
Concerns regarding cost, range and charging time have also alleviated when compared with last year. Almost half as many drivers noted concern about the initial outlay of an electric vehicle (24% in 2019, compared with 47% last year), while half as many drivers were worried about charge times (17%, down from 36%). The percentage of drivers concerned about driving range also fell by a similar margin, dropping from 43% last year to 24% now.
“2019 may be remembered as the year when electric vehicles went mainstream,” said Seán Kemple, director of sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance. “While sales are still relatively low in real terms, the speed of growth is accelerating, and it looks like we’re months, not years from tipping point.
“Consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of AFVs or an electric vehicle – from environmental protection to lower costs of running a car after the initial outlay – and manufacturers are responding to this demand. The overwhelming number of EVs and AFVs on display at the Geneva Motor Show is evidence of this.
“The government should also steer its focus towards developing the infrastructure needed to meet the needs of rising demand, from charging points outside of the big cities to solutions for customers with on-street parking,” Kemple concluded.
Separate research from Close Brothers found that the portion of drivers planning on buying a used car has increased amid the ongoing economic uncertainty.
The survey of more than 2,000 UK drivers and 200 dealers found that 49% of drivers plan on buying a used car next – up from 41% last year. One third of respondents said they were considering a new car purchase – down 8% on last year.
