90% of EV drivers say they won’t go back to diesel or petrol

The majority of electric vehicle (EV) drivers (90%) say they’ll never buy another petrol or diesel car.

More than 560 people who currently drive electric or plug-in hybrid cars were surveyed by What Car?.

When asked why they wanted to stick with EVs, 65% of owners gave the reason that they are better for the environment, while 62% said the tech and cars will only improve in the future, so they see no reason to switch over.

Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales account for nearly 15% of the new car market so far in 2021.

Rachael Prasher, managing director of What Car?, said: “With new electric and plug-in models arriving in showrooms nearly every month, it’s no surprise to see electric vehicles growing in popularity. The vast majority of electric owners no longer seeing themselves owning a petrol or diesel car in the future is a testament to the quality and capability of modern electric cars on sale today.

“As the average range of a new electric car improves over time, it’s likely the share of electric car owners wanting a petrol or diesel car in the future will only diminish.

“The research also serves as a strong indicator of consumer tastes, with potential buyers highlighting the need for strong environmental credentials as well as low running costs.”

Lower running costs were highlighted as the main draw by 56% of owners, while 50% said they believe electric vehicles are better to drive. The 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars was also cited as a reason for not switching back by 36% of respondents.  

For the 10% who said they are considering going back to petrol or diesel cars in the future, having a vehicle with better range was given as the main reason by 51% of respondents.

The need to own a cheaper car in the future had 20% of responses, while 15% said they believed petrol and diesel technology will improve in the future, making them more sustainable.

The study also asked electric and plug-in hybrid owners why they chose their vehicle in the first place, with 65% stating they wanted to own a car that was better for the environment.

Nearly half (48%) also cited lower running costs as a factor, while the new technology aspect appealed to 43% of owners. Tax savings were cited by 26% of owners.