Half a million new electric cars could be on UK roads if motorists already suited to plug-in vehicles made the switch, according to research by Go Ultra Low.
The campaign, backed by government and industry, promotes the uptake of plug-in cars and has profiled more than 2,000 drivers to see how their new car requirements have altered. Comparing the needs of petrol and diesel car drivers with existing EV owners, Go Ultra Low has found that one in five new car buyers would be better suited to owning a plug-in vehicle.
If these buyers opted for an electric car the next time they changed cars, more than 500,000 new EVs would be on UK roads, moving the current 1.4 per cent monthly market share closer to 20 per cent.
Go Ultra Low’s research showed that almost half of those surveyed drive no more than 15 miles per day, while 98 per cent said they travel less than 100 miles each day. This opens up the vast majority of car buyers to the potential of electric vehicles, either as a second car or sole vehicle, with many EVs able to cover around 100 miles, and PHEV’s comfortably able to cover the trip a number of times between fuel stops.
The survey also showed that running costs are becoming an increasing priority for new car buyers with plug-in models able to offer very low usage costs. The other benefit is that around 80 per cent of car buyers use finance options to buy their new car with monthly payments and electric car finance deals have become increasingly common over recent months.
Poppy Welch, Head of Go Ultra Low, said: “The plug-in car market has been boosted by unprecedented growth over the last 12 months. Our research shows that more motorists than ever are perfectly suited to electric motoring and should consider a plug-in vehicle as their next car. With low running costs, tax exemptions and free parking in many locations, it’s no longer a question of will more motorists choose electric, but when.”
Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “The case for switching to an electric car is clear, and it’s not surprising to see that sales are soaring. Electric cars are greener, cheaper to run, and we are making them more affordable by investing more than £600 million to support the uptake and manufacturing of these vehicles in the UK. This is all part of our commitment to making every car and van a zero emission vehicle by 2050.”
The survey coincides with the launch of a new advertising campaign by Go Ultra Low to promote the benefits of EVs, which will also highlight the number of charge points across the country.
