Almost nine in ten EV drivers (88%) believe the Government is failing to do enough to support the UK’s transition to net zero, according to new research from Zenith, the UK’s leading fleet management and vehicle leasing specialist.
While government-backed incentives, such as benefit-in-kind, have proven incredibly effective in encouraging uptake, recent U-turns on the deadline for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, and the recent announcement of a new pay-per-mile tax for EV drivers, have impacted confidence in the delivery of a successful transition.
However, policy uncertainty risks undermining the progress made. Nearly three quarters of drivers (74%) are concerned about the potential cost impact of a pay-per-mile tax, with four in ten (40%) saying they would consider switching back to a petrol or diesel vehicle if running costs of an EV became more expensive.
Andy Wolff, Managing Director of Zenith’s Corporate division, said, “These findings highlight a clear disconnect between the government’s stated ambitions and the confidence felt by EV drivers on the road, with inconsistent policy undermining trust in the transition.
“Drivers are being offered tax incentives and grants to encourage EV adoption while simultaneously facing uncertainty around future taxation, including proposals such as pay-per-mile charges. These conflicting messages mean only 15% of EV drivers feel optimistic and confident about the transition to electric vehicles.
“Without a coherent, long-term framework that supports both new and used EV buyers, there is a real danger that the progress made to date will stall – or be reversed altogether. At a time of price volatility at the pumps, EVs offer drivers a more predictable and affordable long-term alternative. There has never been a more critical moment to back this transition and incentivise drivers to switch.”
