Drivers holding back on electric switch

Lower prices, reassurances over battery life and more accessible charge points are among the things drivers claim would persuade them to switch to an electric car, it has emerged.

According to research commissioned by Jardine Motors Group, despite the fact that electric vehicles are greener, just 7% of motorists have already made the switch.

The study of 2,000 car owners found less than two fifths would make the move to electric, but one third of these don’t plan on changing their car for at least five years and just 15% are looking to make the switch in the next year.

Three quarters said an electric car would have to be cheaper for them to consider buying one, while seven in 10 expressed concerns over battery life.

“A lot of assumptions have been made around electric vehicles such as lengthy charging times, the buying procedure and the models available to suit everyone’s needs,” said Alex Brown of Jardine Motors Group.

“It’s important that motorists get the full facts before completely dismissing the idea of switching to an electric vehicle as there are a number of benefits which go beyond environmental, including cost, health and safety.”

The study also found 80% who are debating moving from petrol to a battery-powered motor are apprehensive for fear of running out of power mid-way through a journey and getting stranded, also known as range anxiety.

As a result, drivers agreed they would need a minimum of 260 miles between charges to give them peace of mind if they were to go electric – the equivalent of making a round trip from London to Birmingham.

The research also revealed that two fifths of motorists are friends with another driver who is the proud owner of an electric vehicle, with six in 10 of these fellow car owners rating their electric motor “very good” to “excellent”.

It also emerged drivers feel more needs to be done to make the process of charging an electric car equally, if not more, accessible as filling up a tank of fuel.

Seven in 10 said all new build homes should have charging points, with more than half in agreement new homes with a driveway should have car charging points installed by law.

And three in five said it should be compulsory by law for employers with car parks to introduce charging points for staff.

However, for many motorists cost is still a big factor into their decision to go electric with three quarters saying electric cars are too expensive to buy.

Find out more about Jardine Motors’ electric car research.