The number of drivers expecting their next car to be fully electric has risen by 32% in twelve months.

A study for Kwik Fit reveals that 11% of drivers who are planning to change their car expect its replacement to be fully electric. This compares to 8% of drivers a year ago. When hybrid vehicles are included, the number rise to 37%, a rise from 33% over the last 12 months.

Tipping point

Hybrid or fully electric cars have overtaken petrol and diesel models as most drivers’ expected next vehicle. Twelve months ago, 33% of drivers expected their next car to be a low emission vehicle, as opposed to 41% who said their next car would have a petrol or diesel engine. This balance has been reversed. Now 37% state that their next vehicle would be low emissions outstripping the 35% likely to opt for a diesel or petrol model. (28% of drivers said they didn’t know, compared to 26% a year ago.)

Of all the UK regions, drivers in London are the most likely to be considering the switch. Here, 65% of drivers say they are doing so. The second highest region is the North East, with 49%, while the lowest is Scotland, where only 24%.

 

More incentives

The research indicates there is a challenge for policy makers looking to encourage drivers to switch.  The research found that on average, drivers expect to change their vehicle in 21.6 months. Those expecting their next car to be electric plan to change their car in an average of 23.9 months. This compares to 17.6 months for those opting for internal combustion models.

At present, only one in nine drivers (11%) planning to buy another vehicle are considering fully electric cars.

While the greatest deterrent varies in some regions, overall the lack of fast charging points is the biggest factor. This is cited by 38% of drivers not yet considering swapping to fully electric. This rises to 51% among Welsh drivers and 50% in Yorkshire. In the North East, South West, South East and Scotland, the increased cost over an equivalent petrol or diesel model is the greatest barrier. For drivers in the West Midlands and the East of England, their biggest concern is the perceived restrictions on range of electric cars.

Reasons drivers are not considering buying an electric car for their next vehicle

Reason % of car owners not considering buying an electric car
The lack of fast charging points in the areas I commonly drive 38
The increased cost over an equivalent sized petrol, diesel or hybrid car 36
The restrictions on range/inability to travel long distance on a single charge 35
I would not be able to charge it at home 33
I am worried that the batteries won’t last very long and need replacing 26
I prefer traditional petrol or diesel engines 16
I want to know more people who have one before I commit 16
I don’t believe that they are more environmentally friendly than existing cars 12
I don’t like the style of electric cars available 8
There isn’t an electric car which provides the power I need 8

Source: Kwik Fit, 2021

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit says: “This research shows that over the last twelve months car buyers appear to have passed a tipping point in the switch to electric cars. However, although consideration of low emission models has overtaken that for petrol and diesel there is clearly still a lot to do to convince some drivers. Some barriers to consideration can be put down to misperception or a lack of up to date knowledge. The industry must work together to address those areas. But it is also vital that there is visible investment made in the charging infrastructure to ensure that drivers have the confidence to make the switch.