On a more positive note, the government highlighted that second-hand electric vehicles are becoming more affordable
The UK government has been urged to take further action to make electric vehicles (EVs) accessible to all citizens. A new report from the AA reveals widespread confusion among drivers regarding the country’s transition to electric cars. While the government’s plan focuses on increasing supply, the research suggests it does little to encourage demand, with many potential buyers still hesitant about making the switch.
Jakob Pfaudler, Chief Executive of the AA, emphasized the need for the government to address these concerns. He said: “Our message to government is more needs to be done to make EVs accessible for everyone.”
As part of its environmental strategy, the UK government has set a target to ensure that all new cars and vans are fully zero-emission by 2035. This ambitious goal aims to reduce the country’s carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change.
However, despite this long-term target, the Department for Transport (DfT) has faced criticism from industry leaders and experts. A spokesperson for the department pointed out that significant investments have been made to help industry and consumers transition to electric vehicles. “We’re investing over £2.3 billion to help industry and consumers make a supported switch to electric vehicles,” the spokesperson said.
In addition to investments, the government has committed to expanding the charging infrastructure. One of the key initiatives is the installation of a public charge point every 28 minutes across the country. Moreover, the government has promised to maintain electric vehicle incentives in the company car tax regime until 2030. It also announced an extension of 100% first-year allowances for zero-emission cars for another year.
Despite these measures, the AA’s research indicates that there is still a significant gap in consumer confidence. More than one in five drivers reported they do not intend to purchase an electric vehicle in the future. Additionally, the research revealed that a third of respondents were under the mistaken impression that manual electric vehicles exist, a misconception that could further confuse the public.
On a more positive note, the government highlighted that second-hand electric vehicles are becoming more affordable. “Second-hand electric vehicles are also becoming cheaper than ever, with one in three available under £20,000 and 21 brand new models available for less than £30,000,” the DfT spokesperson explained. This, in turn, has led to an increase in consumer confidence, with more drivers beginning to consider the switch to EVs.
However, experts agree that more needs to be done to address consumer concerns. The AA’s Pfaudler reiterated the importance of making electric vehicles not just affordable, but also accessible to everyone, with a focus on education, clearer information, and stronger incentives for those hesitant about making the leap to EV ownership.
While the UK government is making strides toward increasing the availability of electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure, the transition to a fully electric car market requires continued efforts. Addressing consumer confusion, providing clearer guidance, and encouraging demand for EVs will be key to ensuring the success of the country’s ambitious environmental goals. As the government pushes ahead with its roadmap, the challenge remains to make EVs accessible and appealing to a broad range of consumers.
