New EV examine reveals why UK drivers are usually not switching to electrical autos | EUROtoday

Many drivers of petrol and diesel autos are considerably misinformed about electrical automobiles, new analysis signifies.

This lack of know-how is inflicting individuals to “hold back from making the shift” to electrical motoring, in response to the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) suppose tank, which commissioned the report.

A YouGov survey of 1,002 non-electric automotive drivers discovered that 51 per cent may appropriately reply solely two or fewer out of 10 statements about EVs.

Among this ill-informed group, simply 5 per cent expressed a want for an EV as their subsequent automotive, a stark distinction to the 63 per cent of those that scored not less than eight out of 10.

A notable false impression revealed was that 46 per cent of drivers wrongly believed electrical autos are extra liable to catching fireplace than historically fuelled automobiles, regardless of varied research demonstrating the other.

ECIU head of transport Colin Walker mentioned: “A constant stream of misinformation is skewing petrol car drivers’ knowledge of EVs.

“With two-thirds not knowing that EVs are cheaper to own and run than petrol cars, it’s clear that many are holding back from making the shift to EVs.

“The latest instability in the Middle East is once again illustrating how using oil to power our cars leaves the UK’s drivers exposed to international markets over which we have no control.

“While petrol car drivers face paying higher prices at the pump, EV drivers will continue to be able to drive their cars for as little as 2p per mile.”

Labour MP Perran Moon, who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on EVs, mentioned: “The more misinformed you are, the less likely you are to make the switch to an EV.

“We need to see robust action from the Government, industry and media to dispel the myths of misinformation and to ensure that drivers are equipped with the facts when deciding on their next purchase.”

A House of Lords committee report in 2024 accused the then-Conservative authorities of failing to exhibit ample “urgency” in tackling “the scale of misinformation” about EVs.

The Labour Government has pledged to outlaw gross sales of latest petrol and diesel automobiles and vans from 2030, with solely zero-emission fashions – which typically means pure electrics – permitted to be purchased from 2035.

Research firm YouGov surveyed 1,002 UK drivers of non-EV automobiles between 25 November and three December final 12 months.