Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? British drivers struggle to switch to electric cars due to high costs.
Cost remains one of the major barriers for employers considering switching to electric vehicles, as indicated by recent research from Europcar Mobility Group.
According to Europcar’s EV Barometer for Quarter 2, a significant 41% of business drivers feel that the cost of EVs is still preventing their companies from transitioning to electric vehicles. This percentage is almost identical to the 40% reported in Quarter 1.
Surprisingly, the lack of charging infrastructure has emerged as a growing concern for businesses looking to make the switch to electric vehicles. In Quarter 2, 36% of business drivers expressed that the limited availability of charging options was hindering their employers from embracing EVs, compared to 34% in Quarter 1.
Moreover, the issue of lack of choice and vehicle availability has slightly increased, with 20% of drivers in Quarter 2 citing this as a barrier to adopting greener fleet solutions, up from 18% in Quarter 1.
On a positive note, businesses seem to be more confident in their knowledge about electric cars, with only 21% of drivers reporting that their employers are hampered by a lack of awareness about EVs. This figure has decreased from 23% in the previous quarter.
Tom Middleditch, the head of electric mobility at Europcar, pointed out, “The shortage of charging infrastructure continues to impede a significant portion of businesses, possibly due to concerns about downtime and inefficiency during business hours. However, the UK’s public charging network has expanded by 47% over the past year and is expected to grow even more rapidly in the coming year.”
He added, “With budget constraints and businesses seeking to cut costs, it is not surprising that the perceived expense of purchasing and maintaining an EV is a concern for many fleets.”
Europcar is actively addressing the issue of EV awareness by enabling businesses to experience electric vehicle driving firsthand, providing flexible rental durations and a variety of makes and models to choose from.
Tom Middleditch emphasised, “As electric vehicles become increasingly common, drivers are encountering more friends and family who are also EV drivers. This fosters confidence and understanding among drivers and decision-makers responsible for fleet management. By offering detailed handovers and valuable resources to address queries and dispel misconceptions about EV motoring, we are empowering businesses to make the switch to a greener fleet with confidence.”
In addition to practical support, Europcar’s Knowledge Hub offers a range of EV resources, including a free digital EV Guide that is regularly updated. This beginner’s guide provides answers to common questions, highlights the benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles, and explains EV incentives and charging solutions.
