UK Drivers Show Increasing Interest in Electric Vehicles, Survey Finds

The number of electric vehicle (EV) owners in Britain is projected to more than double as drivers prepare to purchase their next car, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 individuals by repair firm Kwik Fit found that 18 percent of drivers plan to make their next vehicle an EV, a notable increase from the 7 percent who currently own one.

Overall, 44 percent of respondents indicated they would opt for a low-emission EV or hybrid for their subsequent vehicle purchase. This contrasts with only 30 percent of petrol car owners who stated their intention to purchase another petrol-fueled car. The survey revealed the highest level of interest in EVs and low-emission vehicles since Kwik Fit began tracking these purchasing intentions in 2020.

The growing desire for electric and hybrid vehicles is likely influenced by the substantial rise in petrol and diesel prices, reportedly triggered by the Iran War. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that in September, electric vehicles accounted for over a third of all new car registrations at 36.3 percent. The SMMT also reported a 12.7 percent increase in new car sales in September compared to the same month last year, marking the strongest performance in a decade.

Kwik Fit's findings suggest this upward trend in sales is likely to continue. Two-thirds of drivers anticipate changing their vehicle, with an average timeframe of 22 months, while 31 percent plan to do so within the next 12 months. Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit, observed that this research highlights the potential for rapid changes in the UK's vehicle landscape as consumers make their next purchase. He noted a consistent increase in drivers planning to switch to EVs or hybrids over the past six years.

Despite the growing interest, barriers to EV adoption remain. While the cost of many new electric cars on finance deals is reportedly becoming comparable to their petrol counterparts, concerns about range anxiety persist. Kwik Fit's research indicated that 35 percent of drivers mentioned range as a concern this year, a decrease from 41 percent in 2023. The second-highest concern, which rose from sixth place last year, is the inability to charge an EV at home, suggesting a broader range of drivers are seriously contemplating EV ownership.

The UK government is promoting EV adoption through the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles annually, with penalties for non-compliance. The Department for Transport is currently reviewing the mandate's phasing, with speculation that the 2030 target for 80 percent of new cars to be fully electric might be adjusted. Public opinion on the ZEV Mandate is divided, with 36 percent of drivers supporting its continuation and 29 percent disagreeing. Current EV drivers, however, show stronger support, with 56 percent in favor of maintaining the current schedule and only 15 percent opposed.

Joyce emphasized the importance of balancing the ZEV Mandate's phasing to encourage the transition to low emissions while acknowledging the practicalities faced by vehicle manufacturers. He cautioned that any potential changes to the mandate could create uncertainty among drivers.