After one on-line retailer reported a 60% jump in ev-searches over the weekend, analysts believe the fuel shortage will be the big catalyst to boosting the uptake of the greenest cars.
Sean Kemple, Managing Director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, said, “The current fuel crisis may well be the catalyst for motorists to go green.
“Vauxhall is bringing out eight new electric models, Volkswagen will be releasing six new greener vehicles and Toyota is looking at double digit growth in its EV markets. The luxury of EV choice, alongside long petrol station queues, may be the tipping point for consumers who are steering towards non-carbon options.
“The UK car industry is at a pivotal point in its journey to electrification, with sales of alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) continuing to surge. But for this trend to continue, we need to see the infrastructure in place to support AFV ownership. An extra focus on the quality, as well as quantity, of charging networks is essential, which in many cases are not working as they should be. The car market has the opportunity to build back stronger, and greener, but it’s down to Government support and industry collaboration to make that happen.”
The problem is that manufacturers do not have the capacity to dramatically increase build and shipment of electric vehicles and they still have a huge backlog of orders for petrol and some diesel powered cars and vans.
At the other end of the power line is the availability of charging points at homes, offices, shopping centres and on main roads used by long distance travellers.
The AA reports mis-fuelling is on the rise as desperate drivers rush to fill up, often in unfamiliar locations and forecourts. If you do make a mistake, do not try to restart the car but call for emergency help or you’ll seriously damage the engine.
