The latest survey of 300 UK motorists by Venson Automotive Solutions revealed that the anticipated 54% rise in electricity and gas bills next month is impacting car buyers’ decisions on switching to electric vehicles.
Although electrified vehicles accounted for more than a third of all new cars leaving dealerships in February, Venson’s survey showed that a third of motorists currently exploring an EV for their next car, will now more thoroughly research the costs associated with charging it before committing.
It is not just electricity costs that are causing concern for motorists. One in four of those currently driving an internal combustion engine vehicle, confirmed to Venson that petrol prices are noticeably pulling on purse strings.
To counter rising ownership costs, 22% of those surveyed said that they will be trying to change their driving behaviour to help reduce their overall ICE fuel consumption in light of the energy price rises, including reducing their speed, number of journeys taken and engine idling in order to save pounds at the pump. Nearly 1 in 3 women aim to make changes to how they drive, compared to 14% of men.
“As with home fuel energy increases, the growing cost per mile will hit us all, regardless of the type of vehicle we drive,” says Alison Bell, Operations Director for Venson Automotive Solutions (above).
“However, whilst those considering buying an EV may fear that global energy price rises will cost them dearly at the charging point, just 3% of motorists we surveyed who today own and drive an EV, expressed any cost concerns.
“The reality is that it costs half the price of an ICE full tank to fully charge an EV battery, and with both electricity and petrol prices rising, this is likely to remain true for the foreseeable future. Research of some of the best-selling EVs, including the Tesla Model 3, Kia e-Niro, Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan Leaf, confirm EV owners will still make savings.
“Our survey highlights we do not need to preach to the converted, but more does need to be done to educate reluctant EV adopters. The cost savings that owning an EV can bring extend beyond battery benefits, such as service and maintenance too.”
