A new survey released today [03 November] by Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity firm Eseye has revealed that the majority of UK drivers are concerned about the price of EVs, as well as the reliability of the charging network.
The independent consumer poll, conducted for Eseye by research firm Opinion Matters, aimed to gauge UK drivers appetite for the transition to electric cars. The research found that the biggest factor under consideration when UK drivers are deciding if to switch to EVs is the price, with 80% stating this reason.
Other influencing factors were the availability of EV charge points, also 80%, concerns over longevity of EV battery technology and the time to charge EVs.
The poll also looked to discovered why drivers were looking to switch with respondents siting environmental concerns at 62%, and 45% admitting that the recent petrol supply issues had bought EVs into focus.
Nick Earle, CEO, Eseye, commented: “It is interesting our poll found that the closer UK drivers get to switching to EVs, the less they are concerned about environmental issues and the more they are concerned about performance, price and the overall charging infrastructure and experience.
“Therefore, educating people who are further out from buying an EV on these aspects could potentially influence their decision and accelerate the switch.”
Additionally, the poll looked at demographics such as age, gender, and how this affects attitudes towards adoption of EVs. It also studied the regional variances highlighting that out of the different regions polled, Greater London was more influenced by price and environmental concerns.
Northern Ireland scored higher than other regions on concerns around the availability of charge points and longevity of EV batteries, both concerns of 89% of respondents. The report said this indicates that there is a long way to go to educate drivers in Northern Ireland about the benefits of EVs.
Earle added: “Transport is now the largest sector for UK greenhouse gas emissions and the transition to zero-emission vehicles is therefore vital to realising the UK’s net-zero ambitions. Sustainable mobility is not something that will happen in the future — it is happening now.
“However, we must educate UK drivers around not only the benefits, but provide the reassurance that the infrastructure, the charging network and the management tools are in place and ready to support their transition away from fossil fuel-based vehicles.”
Eseye is working with Pod Point, Shell NewMotion, BP Chargemaster and InstaVolt to deliver cellular connectivity for the growing EV charging network across the UK.
