Three in five drivers say they would be more motivated to make the switch to an electric car – if these vehicles didn't cost so much, a study has found.
A survey of 2,000 motorists found that 85% are yet to make the switch to electric – and of those, just 15% are “likely” to do so in the next 12 months.
Nearly two-thirds (63%) said the top thing holding them back is the retail price of EVs.
But many still have questions about owning an electric vehicle, which they feel they need further clarification on – with four in ten unclear about how long it takes to charge an EV, or whether the batteries last long.
The research was commissioned by Fiat to mark the launch of its own electric car grant, Fiat E-Grant – offering £3,000 towards the all-electric 500e and 500e convertible.
Damien Dally, Fiat UK managing director, said: “EV ownership has increased significantly over the last decade – however, demand is starting to plateau, and there is still apprehension among those who’ve yet to go electric.
“Our study shows cost is the biggest stumbling block for consumers, which won’t have been helped by the government Plug-in Car Grant ending 12 months ago.
“We are committed to helping people make the switch, which is why we launched our own grant.’’
The study also revealed a groundswell of support for the government's pledge that all new cars and vans will be required to be “fully zero emission at the tailpipe” by 2035 – with 45% backing the plan.
But just 21% of all adults think the strategy will be successful – as over half (55%) don’t think the promise will be fulfilled, and 25% are on the fence.
Three-quarters feel consumer grants from the government would encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
And other areas consumers feel require investment from the government in relation to EVs include charging infrastructure (59%), battery plants in the UK (45%), and tax subsidies (38%).
Meanwhile, 22% believe there should be more money spent on educating as many people as possible on EVs.
Further to this, the research highlighted aspects of electric car ownership which consumers still seem to require further education on.
Such questions include “how much range would an EV really need?” (30%), “will charging an EV at home raise my electricity bill?” (27%), “does insurance cost more for EVs?” (26%), and “do all EVs use the same charger?” (23%).
But those who have gone electric appear to have no regrets, as the study found 81% of those who have made the switch consider their decision to be “one of the best” they’ve made.
Damien Dally added: “The research suggests petrol and diesel vehicle users are keen to make the switch to EVs, but there is still plenty of uncertainty.
“This underlines why it’s important to incentivise people to make the switch, while educating them on the benefits of going electric.”
