According to the latest research discovered by Carvine from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the race is well and truly on for motorists to make the switch to electric.
With more than half of motorists between 16 to 49 years likely to switch to all-electric vehicles before the ban of new petrol and diesel cars comes into effect in 2030, the future of UK driving is set to change for good.
Supported by the PM’s ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution, it’s clear that the UK is driving for greater sustainability across the board, and with that comes the push for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Further data from the ONS reports that from 2019, “transport was responsible for 27% of total UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Combined with the recent fuel crisis on UK shores and the subsequent soaring prices, the demand for fossil fuels isn’t going away. But has this made motorists reconsider their options?
Well, according to data collected by the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN) between 22 September and 3 October 2021, 44% of all petrol, diesel, and hybrid drivers would likely or very likely switch to an all-electric vehicle within the next ten years. While more than 4 out of 10 will probably switch to electric (41%) within the next five years.
But the OPN took it a step further. The results from the 16 to the 29-year-old group showed that 52% said they were very likely to make the switch from conventional to electric within the next decade, with 54% of 30 to 49-year-olds planning to do the same.
However, the survey also revealed that only 8% intended to buy an electric and only 16% would opt to switch to a plug-in hybrid within the next year.
According to the ONS, cost still remains a barrier for most conventional vehicle owners, with 70% of respondents claiming that costs were the main factor preventing them from making the switch ahead of the 2030 ban.
But there are also fears over the current EV infrastructure in place throughout the country. Research carried out by the ONS revealed that over half (52%) of respondents were not likely to switch to electric within the next decade due to the apparent lack of infrastructure – most notably, the limited charging devices available.
Alex Thomas, marketing executive for Carvine, weighed in on the results and remarked, “Motorists are clearly feeling the weight of the 2030 ban. With range anxiety, overall upfront costs and charging facilities putting the average driver off, there’s still a significant need for infrastructure and battery life to be addressed.”
