A fifth of motorists (20%) are worried that switching to an electric vehicle (EV).

According to a survey by AA Lease, many potential buyers fear being left in the slow lane as the technology leaves them behind.

EVs on a charge

Faced with the rise of low-emission zones like London’s ULEZ, and the upcoming ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030, drivers are increasingly looking at EV options.

The number of battery-operated models has also quadrupled in the last five years. The latest offical sales figures show that EVs took the highest monthly market share so far this year, comprising 20.1% of new cars reaching the roads.

However a growing concern for wannabe EV owners is that the rapid changes in the industry mean they risk  buying a vehicle that could soon become outdated.

 

Pumping fears

Not only are there worries about range and charging infrastructures, the rapid development of new higher range models implies buying new is the best option long term. However, EV prices are much higher than the combustion engined equivalents. While going  to the used market may see new owners left behind by technology that is accelerating at pace.

Fear over getting the wrong electric model may also be fuelling financial unease, with half of Brits (48%) admitting they are concerned about buying an EV outright.

However, the UK’s biggest EV concern remains the lack of public charging points, as felt by 54% of motorists. The current tally of around 44,000 points is a long way short of the Government’s target of 300,000 by 2030.

How far to go

This is coupled with the traditional range anxiety. After all, the lack of chargers means you have to be able to travel further to plug in.
Rapid progress in batteries tech means new EVs can travel an average 300 miles on a full charge. However, one in two prospective electric drivers (50%) still confess to “range anxiety” – fearing their car will break down between charges.

Meanwhile one in five (20%) say they worry about having to change the battery.

Plug in to progress

“With 2030 in sight and the writing on the wall for new petrol and diesel cars, millions of UK motorists are sizing up an electric vehicle for the first time,” says Martin Smith, Director at AA Lease.

“The number of EV models has grown significantly in the last few years, and while this gives drivers extra choice it could also lead to worries that they will make the wrong decision when switching over to electric.

“Nobody wants to pay for a car that they feel might end up behind the times, and with EVs evolving quickly it’s understandable that some consumers are concerned about jumping in feet first.

“This, coupled with their high outright cost, means choosing to lease an EV is a highly practical and sensible solution. It will give you peace of mind over your outgoings and also allow you to easily upgrade at the end of your term, ensuring you can stay on top of the technology as it advances.”