Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Motorists support switch to electric replacement cars.
In a groundbreaking move that has gained overwhelming support from drivers, there are appeals for the introduction of an industry-wide guarantee for electric vehicle (EV) replacement cars. A recent survey has revealed that the majority of drivers are in favour of this initiative.
Motor Assist, a leading player in the industry, has been calling for the implementation of this new standard across the accident aftercare sector. The aim is to ensure that electric vehicle owners can continue driving an electric car if they need a temporary replacement vehicle.
The proposed guarantee, put forward by AX’s modular incident and claims management solution, would mandate insurers and accident management providers to provide an electric vehicle to customers whose EV is out of action due to a non-fault accident.
Motor Assist has been offering its own EV-for-EV guarantee for three years already, eliminating the need for drivers to switch back to a petrol or diesel car after an incident. It has now gained significant support from 88% of electric car drivers who believe they should be entitled to an equivalent electric replacement vehicle.
Under current UK regulations, drivers involved in a non-fault accident are entitled to a replacement vehicle of similar value. However, there is no specific requirement for the replacement vehicle to have the same powertrain as the original electric vehicle.
Nevertheless, Motor Assist’s recent survey revealed that a substantial 67% of electric vehicle drivers would be inclined to reject a petrol or diesel replacement car if their electric vehicle was unavailable due to an accident that was not their fault.
The proposed industry-wide standard not only ensures consistency for fleet drivers and insurer customers but also showcases a commitment to sustainable mobility in the build-up to the ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
When asked why they believe electric car drivers should receive an electric replacement vehicle following an accident, nearly half (46%) of the respondents highlighted the unfairness of having to revert to a petrol or diesel car. Additionally, 45% stated environmental concerns as the main reason for not wanting to go back to traditional fossil fuel vehicles.
Scott Hamilton-Cooper, the Chief Commercial Officer at AX, commented on the importance of this initiative by saying: “We were the pioneers in introducing an EV-for-EV guarantee, and following its success three years ago, we have now set the bar even higher with our EValuate initiative, offering electric vehicle test drives as replacements for ICE vehicles.”
Hamilton-Cooper added, “Feedback and research have shown that customers, both individual drivers and fleet managers, are in favour of expanding this commitment on a broader scale. Any measure that contributes to the UK’s transition from fossil fuel cars to zero-emission vehicles is a step in the right direction. Our industry has the potential to play a vital role in promoting sustainable mobility.”
AX also recently unveiled its EValuate service, enabling petrol, diesel, and hybrid car owners to experience an electric replacement vehicle while their own vehicle is being repaired post-accident.
When asked whether drivers of traditional petrol and diesel cars should have the opportunity to try an electric courtesy car in the event of an accident, an overwhelming 84% of respondents believed they should.
