According to new research from the AA, more than 70% of drivers have been discouraged from owning an electric car due to recent increases in the price of energy.
This recent survey of more than 12,500 motorists found that the primary reason for this lack of interest in electric vehicles (EVs) is the increase in energy bills.
The AA poll, conducted in September 2022, asked 12,545 drivers, “have increased in domestic energy prices put you off buying an EV?”
Referencing the statement released on Tuesday about the survey results, AA said: “More than 70% of drivers, who will eventually have to switch to zero-emission vehicles after the 2030 sales ban on new fossil-fuelled cars, have been so shocked by the surge in electricity prices that it has tainted their view of EVs.” Without a doubt, this is a huge number of people.
Edmund King, president of the AA, said he believes that the cost-of-living crisis is the main factor in making drivers reluctant towards having to consider electric cars.
In a speech that is scheduled for the Highways UK conference in Birmingham on Wednesday, 2 November, he plans to say:
“There are almost half a million full EVs on the roads in the UK, with more models coming to market each month. However, the cost of living and higher electricity costs are deterring almost three-quarters of drivers from making the switch now.
“For some drivers, it is a big psychological and practical leap from tried and trusted petrol or diesel cars to full electric models. “
However, after making that leap, drivers will not go back, and the switch ultimately will lead to lower running costs and less damage to the environment.
“The AA is here to help drivers make that switch from learning to drive in EVs through fixing, repairing, leasing, and servicing EVs.”
Opinion:
It’s great that the AA is trying to help drivers make the switch to electric cars, but I think it’s going to be a lot harder than they think. With the cost of living rising, it’s going to be hard to convince people to switch to a more expensive car. I think the government needs to do more to incentivize people to switch to electric cars; otherwise, we’re not going to hit our 2030 target.
Also, with so many people hesitant to make the switch to electric cars, it will be interesting to see how the market develops in the coming years.
News Source: https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/electric-car-sales-energy-bills-cost-of-living-112118786.html
