Survey: Over 90% won’t go back to ICE cars.

Welcome to the Net Zero Club News Network, where we bring you the latest updates on the electrifying world of electric vehicles! Today, we’re diving into the results of EVA England’s Great EV Charging Survey, which has uncovered some fascinating insights into the shifting landscape of EVs in the UK.

According to the survey of over 1,700 respondents, a whopping 91% stated that they would not go back to driving a petrol or diesel car, highlighting a clear shift towards electric vehicles. Furthermore, an impressive 86% of participants reported that they found EVs to be cheaper to run compared to traditional fossil fuel vehicles.

One of the key takeaways from the survey was the improvement in public charging infrastructure, with 64% of respondents noting that they have seen advancements in this area over the past year. Interestingly, more than half of drivers have made the switch to EVs primarily for cost-related reasons, showcasing a growing awareness of the financial benefits of electric vehicles.

However, the survey also uncovered a “charging divide” among respondents. While 9 out of 10 drivers who charged their EV at home found it cheaper than using petrol or diesel, this was only the case for 5 out of 10 drivers who relied solely on public charging points. The disparity in charging costs ranged from as low as 7p per kWh for home charging to around 80p per kWh for rapid public chargers.

Another interesting finding from the survey was the growing support for mandating larger businesses to provide EV charging points for their employees, with more than two thirds of drivers in favour of this initiative. This reflects a growing demand for accessible and convenient charging options in the workplace.

Cost emerged as a significant factor for drivers who purchased an EV within the past year, with more than half citing it as the main decision-making factor. This suggests that the “typical” EV driver is becoming increasingly price-conscious, indicating a shift in consumer priorities towards affordability.

Furthermore, the demographics of survey respondents showed a more balanced gender split and a lower average household income, indicating a broadening appeal of EVs across different demographics. Interestingly, almost a third of drivers who purchased an EV in the past year opted for a second-hand vehicle, making it the most represented category among recent EV buyers.

Overall, the survey results paint a positive picture of the EV landscape in the UK, with drivers standing firm against misinformation, high satisfaction rates, and a diversifying demand contributing to the strong progress seen in the past year.

In response to the survey findings, James Court, Chief Executive of EVA England, commented on the importance of real-time feedback to identify areas of improvement within the EV sector. He praised the high satisfaction rates among drivers despite misinformation and highlighted the increasing interest in EVs among individuals who had previously not considered them.

Additionally, Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, expressed optimism about the improvements in the public charging network and the accelerated growth of charging infrastructure. However, she emphasised the need for faster rollout of charging stations, especially for drivers without home charging options, and called for government support in removing delivery barriers and addressing cost-related challenges to make EV ownership more accessible and affordable for all.

As we navigate through the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, it’s clear that the momentum towards sustainable and cost-effective transportation options is stronger than ever. With initiatives like the Great EV Charging Survey shedding light on consumer preferences and challenges, the future looks bright for the electrification of transport in the UK.

Image of report courtesy of EVA England