Drivers still confused over EV transition, AA warns ministers

The government must do more to explain the UK’s transition to electric vehicles and offer financial support to help drivers switch, according to the AA.

The motoring organisation said that most drivers were ‘not hostile’ towards EVs but many were still confused by the ZEV mandate what the planned phase-out of petrol and diesel means for motorists.

It called for a government-backed public awareness campaign and what it called ‘targeted incentives’ to help drive the country’s shift towards EVs and persuade drivers EVs are ‘desirable, not just unavoidable’.

The AA polled more than 14,000 of its members about the transition to EVs and found that 7% wrongly thought that the sale of used petrol and diesel cars would be banned in 2030 when the ban on new pure ICE models is introduced. A third of them also thought that EVs with manual transmissions were available, showing the lack of understanding among many motorists.

The AA’s chief executive Jakob Pflauder, said this confusion needed to be addressed to support the ambitious aim of cutting the UK’s transport emissions.

He commented: “Our message to government is more needs to be done to make EVs accessible for everyone.

“Generally drivers are hesitant but most are not hostile to the change.

“Our research shows many people are confused by the transition which is not surprising as the main catalyst for change, the ZEV mandate, only governs supply but does little to encourage demand for EVs.

“The ambitious goal of the Climate Change Committee that 80% of cars and 74% of vans should be electric by 2040 shows how much needs to be done to get there.”

Better information and tax cuts

Among the action the AA wants is for the government to coordinate with the motor industry on public information campaign targeting those doubtful about EVs and explaining the ZEV mandate and 2030 phase out.

It also suggested that targeted incentives could help, including cutting VAT on public charging from 20% to 5% to make charging more affordable for drivers without off-street parking.

EVs continue to grow in popularity in the UK and accounted for 25% new car registrations in February.

Sue Davies, head of consumer rights at Which?, backed the AA’s suggestions. She said: “When it comes to making sustainable choices such as switching to an electric car, our research shows that people are often held back by high costs, complex choices or uncertainty.

“The government needs to provide the right information on electric vehicles and other sustainable choices so that people have the confidence to switch.”

Responding to the AA’s report, a DfT spokesperson said: “We’re investing over £2.3 billion to help industry and consumers make a supported switch to EVs.

“This includes installing a public chargepoint every 28 minutes, keeping EV incentives in the company car tax regime to 2030, and extending 100% first year allowances for zero emission cars for another year.

“Second-hand EVs are also becoming cheaper than ever, with one in three available under £20,000 and 21 brand new models available for less than £30,000.

“We’re seeing growing consumer confidence as a result.”