Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Most UK Drivers Struggle with EV Knowledge
A recent survey conducted among drivers of petrol and diesel cars has uncovered a concerning lack of knowledge regarding electric vehicles, creating a barrier for consumers to transition to cleaner transportation options.
More than half (57%) of the petrol and diesel car drivers who participated in the survey scored two or fewer correct answers out of 10 multiple-choice questions related to electric vehicles. Additionally, a striking 90% of the respondents only managed to get five or fewer answers correct, with 23% scoring a disappointing zero.
This survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), highlights the detrimental impact of misinformation on drivers’ willingness to consider electric vehicles. Notably, respondents who scored two or fewer correct answers were significantly less inclined to choose an electric vehicle as their next car, in comparison to those who performed better on the quiz.
The findings of this survey are in alignment with a previous report by a House of Lords Committee earlier in the year, which expressed concerns about the prevalence of misinformation surrounding electric vehicles.
Key takeaways from the report include:
- Nearly 62% of petrol drivers mistakenly believe that owning and running an electric vehicle is more expensive, despite the reality that EVs are typically cheaper. In fact, a report from ECIU revealed that the running costs of the top 10 selling petrol cars in 2023 could amount to a petrol premium of £700 annually as opposed to an equivalent electric car.
- 41% of petrol drivers wrongly think that electric vehicles are more prone to catching fire compared to petrol cars, when evidence indicates that EVs are over 80 times less likely to catch fire.
- 59% of petrol drivers hold the misconception that the UK’s electricity grid will not be able to handle the transition to electric vehicles. However, the National Grid has debunked this as a myth, confirming that the power system can accommodate millions of EVs.
- Despite the UK being on track to install 300,000 chargers on the roads by 2030, 80% of petrol drivers believe that the country lacks the necessary charging infrastructure.
- A higher percentage of drivers (35%) incorrectly believe that an EV’s lifetime CO2 emissions are similar to those of a petrol car, whereas the reality is that an EV produces three times less CO2 emissions over its lifespan.
In some instances, more petrol and diesel car drivers answered questions correctly, such as recognising the potential for increased energy independence by powering EVs with British renewable electricity. On the other hand, many drivers mistakenly believe that EVs are detrimental to urban air quality and pose a threat to the structural integrity of car parks.
Colin Walker, the head of transport at ECIU, expressed concerns about the widespread misinformation surrounding electric vehicles, highlighting its impact on drivers’ decision-making process. He emphasised the importance of the automotive industry and government addressing this issue.
A campaign group called FairCharge also raised awareness about the misinformation circulating about EVs, attributing it to ideological reasons. The founder, Quentin Willson, encouraged individuals to conduct independent research using reliable sources to dispel misconceptions about electric vehicles.
James Court, CEO of EVA England, shared insights from conversations with EV drivers, indicating high levels of satisfaction and a reluctance to return to petrol or diesel vehicles. He stressed the need for industry and government intervention to combat misinformation and empower consumers with accurate information about electric cars.
Ultimately, the goal is to equip individuals with the right knowledge to make informed decisions about transitioning to electric driving, considering the economic, environmental, and enjoyable benefits that electric vehicles offer.
