How To Get More UK Drivers Into Electric Cars: Improve Awareness & Install More Charging Stations

March 31, 20178 years ago Cynthia Shahan 0 Comments

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It is impossible to explain to a non-EV driver how charge anxiety becomes a non-issue so quickly. Once you get your rhythm and groove with your new EV, it disappears. The welcomed sense of not belonging to Big Oil takes over. There is no partisan affiliation except clean air. A sense that your market vote is effective takes over.

In the meantime, society is changing to ease any charging concerns remaining members of the population have. The results of a fresh survey out of the UK show that people are ready to feel this weight lifted. Venson Automotive Solutions reveals that 85% of motorists would now consider buying an electric vehicle (EV) or choosing one as their company car, but a top remaining concern was a shortage of charging points. Here are more stats from the survey:

41% of those surveyed said their general lack of knowledge about the total cost or convenience of owning such a vehicle impacted their decision making.
The lack of charge points across the UK has been the biggest deterrents for motorists (69%), when it comes to buying or choosing an electric vehicle. … Limited mileage range came second (61%), with the cost of charging the vehicle (42%) in third place.

Here are the full results for that survey question:

Top deterrents to buy or choose a company electric vehicle
	Percentage
Lack of charging points across the UK	69
Limited mileage range of EVs	61
Cost of charging an EV	42
Lack of understanding of the costs and convenience of owning EV	41
Servicing and repair costs	31
Lack of try before you buy opportunities	24
Cost of insurance	19
Safety concerns regarding batteries	18

Venson continues: “The trend could change in the future following the government’s recent announcement to implement new measures to improve the provision of electric vehicle charge points as part of the Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill. That, combined with Total and Shell making charging points a standard feature at their petrol stations, the ‘charging point’ hurdle may become redundant.”

Unsurprisingly, Venson found that one of the most important solutions is simply to raise awareness about EVs and their benefits. “The survey also highlights that a focus on educating motorists on the ownership benefits – over and above environmental benefits – is still needed. Although the commitment by industry and government to remove purchasing barriers is set to have a positive influence, there is still more that needs to be done to clearly explain the financials around EV ownership.”

Alison Bell, Marketing Director of Venson Automotive Solutions, comments: “It’s really encouraging to see that public attitudes to electric vehicles are significantly shifting, as the industry invests in the necessary infrastructure. Clearly, Total and Shell’s move to install more charging points is critical in giving motorists the confidence when it comes to choosing EV or hybrid.”

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Cynthia Shahan