EVs Generating Little Interest Among U.K. Drivers

A new survey finds 69% of U.K. drivers will not consider buying an electric vehicle.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists says only 5% of drivers say they are thinking about buying an EV and 18% had thought about buying one but later changed their mind.

The institute says an analysis of the latest government research finds the most important factors deterring motorists from buying an EV are recharging (40%), battery range (39%) and cost (33%).

Fewer than 1% of U.K. drivers own an electric car or van.

But the institute says not all motorists are put off by the idea of an EV.

The survey found 37% say lower costs would encourage them to buy an EV. Longer distances traveled would encourage 20%, while 17% cited widely available recharging points as an incentive.

With costs, the most important aspect stated was the purchase price, followed by fuel and recharging costs, maintenance, insurance and vehicle excise duty.

IAM CEO Simon Best says it’s clear the government has a long way to go to convince drivers that EVs really are the future. “On the positive side, drivers are not worried about safety or comfort issues, but range anxiety and charging infrastructure remain real stumbling blocks,” he says in a statement.

“For the good of the environment, the IAM want to see quicker rollout of charging points and long-term guarantees that the current £5,000 ($8,495) subsidy will remain in place.”