Approximately one-fifth of drivers hold the conviction that they will never convert to an electric vehicle.
In the UK, the automotive sector is preparing for a significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). The impending ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030 has accelerated this transition, and hybrid cars are seen as a crucial stepping stone for many drivers.
Motability Operations, a leading mobility provider, is playing a key role in this transition. They are encouraging more EV test drives and charging demonstrations, aiming to help customers who are not yet ready for electric vehicles while still meeting their needs.
The UK government, manufacturers, and dealers are employing various strategies to make the switch to EVs more attractive. The reintroduction of the Electric Car Grant, offering up to £3,750 off new eligible EVs, has reduced the upfront cost barrier, stimulating interest in EVs. Car makers are also offering additional discounts and incentives, such as Skywell matching the full grant on its BE11 SUV.
Brands like Vauxhall and Volkswagen Group include home charger subsidies, free public charging credit, and EV electricity tariffs with free mileage allowances in their deals, making EV ownership more convenient and cost-effective. Dealers are handling grant applications and paperwork, lessening consumer hassle and making the EV buying and test drive process smoother.
Some brands are coupling grant savings with test drive promotions, directly encouraging potential buyers to experience EVs first-hand before purchasing. Public awareness and education initiatives, such as EV roadshows and accessible EV trial events at dealerships, are also crucial in helping consumers overcome unfamiliarity and range anxiety.
The findings suggest a potential increase in the adoption of electric vehicles in the near future, as almost half of hybrid drivers planning to buy a new vehicle are likely to choose an electric vehicle in the next three years. This shift could be significant, as hybrids help bridge the gap between traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and fully electric vehicles, providing an important middle ground for drivers and manufacturers.
However, failing to support those making the shift to electric cars could place manufacturers in a dangerous position and leave many drivers unprepared for the shift as the availability of new internal combustion engine vehicles declines. One in five future car buyers do not plan to switch to an electric car, indicating a need for continued efforts to educate and incentivise the public.
Motability Operations CEO Andrew Miller emphasises the importance of supporting those who can benefit from the shift to electric cars. Almost half of Motability customers say they would consider an electric car in the next three years, demonstrating a growing interest in electric vehicles among this demographic.
Despite the challenges, the shift to electric cars is approaching a period of strong tension in the UK car market. However, with the right strategies and support, the UK can successfully transition to a more sustainable and electric future.
[1] gov.uk/government/publications/plug-in-car-grant-for-individuals/plug-in-car-grant-for-individuals [2] gov.uk/government/publications/plug-in-car-grant-rates-and-eligibility/plug-in-car-grant-rates-and-eligibility [3] electricvehiclenews.com/electric-car-grant-uk-2021-2022-explained/ [4] autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/uk-government-reintroduces-grant-new-electric-cars [5] autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/uk-government-reintroduces-grant-new-electric-cars-and-the-best-deals-for-2021-2022
- The UK's automotive sector is preparing for a significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), with hybrid cars seen as a crucial stepping stone for many drivers.
- Motability Operations, a leading mobility provider, is encouraging more EV test drives and charging demonstrations to help customers who are not yet ready for electric vehicles.
- The reintroduction of the Electric Car Grant offers up to £3,750 off new eligible EVs, reducing the upfront cost barrier and stimulating interest in EVs.
- Car makers like Skywell are offering additional discounts and incentives, such as matching the full grant on its BE11 SUV.
- Brands like Vauxhall and Volkswagen Group include home charger subsidies, free public charging credit, and EV electricity tariffs with free mileage allowances in their deals.
- Public awareness and education initiatives, such as EV roadshows and accessible EV trial events at dealerships, are crucial in helping consumers overcome unfamiliarity and range anxiety.
- Almost half of hybrid drivers planning to buy a new vehicle are likely to choose an electric vehicle in the next three years, suggesting a potential increase in the adoption of EVs.
- Motability Operations CEO Andrew Miller emphasises the importance of supporting those who can benefit from the shift to electric cars, as almost half of Motability customers say they would consider an electric car in the next three years.
