Following the government’s pledge to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2035, research by Green Flag revealed what Brits are most looking forward to about going electric and what we will miss the most about petrol cars.
Although the government’s deadline to switch to electric isn’t until 2035, research has revealed that on average, Brits anticipate they will buy their first electric vehicle within the next four years – which is ten year’s ahead of the deadline. What’s more, the majority of drivers (54 per cent) are in favour of the switch to electric vehicles from petrol and diesel cars.
Research shows the economic sweet spot for owning an electric vehicle has now been achieved, with the average zero emission model already cheaper to own than its petrol equivalent over its lifetime.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that drivers are most looking forward to saving money when they drive an electric vehicle – with fuel savings (40 per cent) topping the list, followed by maintenance savings (33 per cent).
The findings also showed that drivers are keen to go green, as two-fifths (40 per cent) are looking forward to leading a more sustainable lifestyle by choosing a zero-emissions vehicle. Meanwhile, just under a third (31 per cent) of drivers are looking forward to the lifestyle benefits electric vehicles bring – particularly the ability to be charged at home.
One eighth (12 per cent) of drivers are also excited to have a modern-look vehicle when they make the switch to electric.
As Britain’s roads gradually go green, Brits’ top concerns about switching to an electric vehicle have also been revealed. Topping the list is the worry about running out of charge mid-journey, which just under two-thirds (62 per cent) of drivers are nervous of. Similarly, over half (57 per cent) are concerned that there aren’t enough charging stations nearby and 55 per cent are concerned about the long charging times.
Predictably, when it comes to what we are happy to leave behind about petrol and diesel cars, the cost of fuel tops the list (45 per cent). Meanwhile three in ten (29 per cent) drivers will be relieved to see the back of unpredictable petrol prices.
What’s more, one in five (21 per cent) admit they’ll be happy to see the back of congestion charges when driving into city centres.
