Over half of drivers ready to embrace electric vehicles, research shows

New research reveals that over 52% of UK drivers are likely to choose an Electric Vehicle (EV) as their next car, a figure that rises to 75% among those aged 18 to 24.

This study, timed to coincide with World EV Day on 9 September, was commissioned by CA Auto Finance, and explores EV adoption in the UK and the barriers still hindering full-scale transition to zero-emission vehicles.

While there is growing enthusiasm for electric vehicles, the research highlights several obstacles. Key concerns among current and prospective EV drivers include battery life, cited by 55% of respondents, accessibility of charging stations (38%), and range anxiety (37%).

The UK government’s Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) mandate sets ambitious goals, including that 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans must be zero-emission by 2024. However, experts warn that these targets could be missed.

Despite this, the study found that 79% of UK drivers believe incentivisation could encourage them to make the switch to an EV, suggesting that further government support may be necessary to push adoption forward.

Christian Gorton, marketing director at CA Auto Finance, highlighted the divide in public opinion on EVs, but was optimistic about the future of the market.

“It’s clear that the UK is divided in its opinion on electric vehicles as the overall market continues to evolve, but its longer-term future remains promising,” he said.

Gorton added that younger drivers are particularly keen to embrace EVs and with the cost of new EVs falling, there is significant potential for organic growth in the sector.

The second-hand EV market is also gaining traction, with 75% of current EV owners considering purchasing a used EV.

However, concerns about residual values still persist for 31% of drivers who remain hesitant to buy second-hand.

Gorton remains optimistic, noting: “Demand for older EVs is already increasing as consumers recognise that a 3-5 year old electric vehicle still retains nearly all of its original range and performance. The significant depreciation observed in recent months has created real bargains in the used EV market.”

Environmental concerns continue to play a key role in motivating EV purchases, with 45% of current EV drivers reporting that their decision was driven by a desire to reduce their carbon footprint.

However, 42% of EV drivers also reported needing to plan their journeys in advance due to the limitations of charging infrastructure, underscoring the need for continued improvements in public charging networks.

To meet the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions, CA Auto Finance’s subsidiary, Drivalia UK, is working to expand its electric vehicle offerings.

Drivalia currently operates over 30 Mobility Stores across the UK and plans to grow to 60 locations by the end of 2024, increasing its fleet of EVs from 4,500 to over 7,000.

By 2030, Drivalia aims for 80% of its new vehicle portfolio to consist of electric vehicles.

The research was conducted by Censuswide, surveying 2,001 UK drivers and 500 EV drivers between 24-31 July.