A third of UK motorists say that the cost of buying and running an electric vehicle would prevent them from switching from conventional engines.
Motoring organisation the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has analysed research data released by the Department for Transport and found that 33 per cent of drivers still find the costs of electric motoring prohibitive. Top of the list of cost concerns is the purchase price, with recharging costs, maintenence costs, insurance costs, and vehicle excise duty also featuring. However, 37 per cent of motorists said they would be encouraged to switch to electric power if costs were lower.
Overall, 69 per cent of drivers say they aren't prepared to make the switch to an electric car. In addition to the issue of costs, 40 per cent say they are concerned by the availability of recharging points, and 39 per cent are put off by the lack of range offered by battery power.
On a brighter note for electric vehicle manufacturers, 20 per cent of motorists would reconsider if battery power was able to give greater range, 17 per cent if more recharging points were available, and 16 per cent of drivers would think of choosing an electric car if they were convinced it would benefit the environment.
Simon Best, Chief Executive of the IAM said: "It is clear the Government have a long way to go to convince drivers that electric vehicles are the future. On the positive side drivers are not worried about safety or comfort issues, but range anxiety and charging infrastructure remain stumbling blocks."
A present, less than one per cent of motor vehicles in the UK are electric powered. However, with five per cent of motorists claiming they are thinking of switching to an electric car, and 18 per cent admitting they had considered a switch before changing their minds, the IAM has called upon the Government to guarantee the continuation of its current £5000 subsidy on the purchase of new electric vehicles.
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