What would make you change to electric power over petrol or diesel?

‘Helping Environment’ comes out as the top reason according to a survey by the AA.

 

Six in ten (62%) drivers say ‘helping the environment’ would be a good reason for buying an electric vehicle (EV). The survey of 13,062 drivers sees this figure rise to over 70% amongst the 18–24-year-old drivers.

It comes as we face record fuel prices at the pumps. Not only that, but the Government has announced the end of plug-in grants for drivers buying new EVs. Itcan be a confusing time for deciding how to fuel your transport on the road ahead. Luckily, there are a host of sources available to provide key information on the latest models, cost effectiveness, and environmental impacts.

Why an EV?

 The AA Yonder survey reveals the top  reasons for drivers buying an EV.

  1. Helping the environment                       62%
  2. Lower fuel costs                                             54%
  3. No congestion charge                               32%
  4. Don’t want to visit petrol station     26%
  5. No benefit                                                           22%
  6. Free parking                                                     17%
  7. Quiet                                                                       15%
  8. Latest technology                                       10%
  9. Green number plate                                     2%
  10. Status symbol                                                   1%

Brimming the tank

Younger drivers were more likely to state ‘lower fuel costs’ (69%) probably as they have lower disposable income.

One fifth (22%) saw no benefit in buying an EV with males much more likely to say this (24%) than females (17%).

Older drivers and those in Scotland were more likely to see the benefits of the sound of silence and a quieter vehicle (17%).

One quarter (26%) just didn’t want to visit a petrol station but those in NW and Yorkshire and Humberside were least likely to state this (24%).

 The most tech-savvy were the 18-24s with one quarter of them really wanting the latest technology.

Price potentials

Commenting on the survey, Jakob Pfaudler, AA CEO, says: “While there are many good reasons for wanting an EV, it is good to see that ‘helping the environment’ is top of the tree.

“Drivers aren’t fickle and don’t want an EV as a status symbol just because it has a green number plate, but they want one for good environmental and financial reasons – to help the environment but also to cut running costs.

“We expect that the current record fuel prices will only increase drivers’ interest in going electric.”