Over a third of UK car buyers are put off the idea of purchasing an electric car due to the vehicles' high prices.
A new survey, published by TheGreenCarWebsite, has revealed the main concerns British drivers have regarding electric cars.
For the 37% of those surveyed, price is the biggest issue when considering the purchase of an electric vehicle (EV).
Further concerns include 29% of those surveyed saying they are unhappy about the limited range of offers among electric vehicles in comparison to conventional vehicles. Two out of ten dislike the current lack of charging facilities, while a further 11% worry most about the car's battery lifespan.
"Electric cars are often criticised for their high price and limited range, but the market is still very much in its infancy. It is understandable that many people will say that electric cars are too costly. The same was true of the combustion car once upon a time, when that market was developing," said Faye Sunderland, the website's editor, commenting on the findings from the research.
Sunderland added that there is a future for the electric car, where the prices come much more in line with traditional rivals. "When we start to overcome the price hurdle, we expect that many people will find that electric cars are suitable for their needs. Adjusting to an EV's range and recharging needs seems to be much less problematic, as our research suggests," she stated.
Plug-in Car Grant
The British Government is currently helping Brits to jump into the EV market by providing car buyers with a grant of up to £5,000 towards the cost of an electric car, or £8,000 towards the cost of an electric van.
As the report stressed, specific EV models will help to attract UK car buyers - such as the Renault's Zoe, expected to cost from £13,650 after the Plug-in Car Grant when it launches early next year.
