Despite electric vehicles becoming more prevalent, many potential buyers remain unconvinced about switching from their petrol or diesel vehicles.

According to new research from The Green Insurer, several concerns are blocking the move.

Short circuits

Fewer than one in three (32%) petrol or diesel car owners say they intend to buy an electric or hybrid car when they next purchase a car.

A further 27% say they are “indifferent” about the type of fuel their new car would use.

However, the findings also reveal that once owners have made the move over to an electric vehicle, there is no going back to fossil fuel.

Positive vibes

The vast majority (92%) of electric drivers surveyed say that their next purchase would be another electric car.

This goes to show the proof of the pudding is in the tasting.

Just 2% of EV owners said they would consider buying a petrol or diesel car.

The main reason cited by motorists who say they won’t be considering an electric car purchase is concerns over not being able to find convenient charging points (68%).

However, 58% point to the perceived additional cost of an electric model compared to its petrol or diesel equivalent.

Furthermore, 57% worry about having to keep their car charged when travelling long journeys.

Top concerns

Reasons given by motorists for not considering a switch from petrol/diesel to an electric vehicle Percentage
Concerns over not being able to find convenient charging points 68%
Affordability of electric model versus petrol/diesel equivalents 58%
Concerns over having to keep charging the car over long journeys 57%
Future cost of having to replace the electric battery 56%
Happy driving a petrol / diesel, so no need to switch 53%
Concerns about finding a location to charge car overnight 42%
Belief that car insurance premiums are higher for electric cars 24%

 

Plugging in

In terms of what steps can be taken to accelerate the adoption of EVs, the research reveals that financial incentives would certainly be encouraging.

For example, removing the 12% Insurance Premium Tax from all-electric car insurance premiums would encourage almost one in two (47%) to consider purchasing an EV.

This is a move that the motor manufacturers and dealers have been calling for over the last few years.

Scrappage schemes set up by the government were stopped in 2022.

Changing climate

Paul Baxter, CEO of The Green Insurer, said: “Many motorists currently driving fossil-fuelled vehicles are still harbouring concerns over switching to electric.  The slow transition from petrol and diesel is a significant concern as transportation remains one of the major contributors to carbon emissions and the widespread adoption of EVs is recognised as being a crucial step towards achieving national and international climate goals.

“However, on a more positive note our research indicates that once motorists have made the move across to greener fuel, they don’t look back, so one of the objectives has got to be incentivise people to make the switch.  Initiatives such as reducing insurance premiums for electric cars by removing Insurance Premium Tax is one such example that could make a difference.”