Over 81% of young drivers are considering an EV as their next car, according to a survey by independent road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.
Some 1,000 drivers aged between 17 and 24 years old were surveyed to establish prospective car buying habits, with its findings revealing how the ‘green agenda’ is influencing driving attitudes.
The survey suggests the ban of new petrol and diesel vehicle sales from 2030, and the absence of manual gearboxes in EV, has resulted in 61% of respondents planning to apply for an automatic-only driving licence.
Furthermore, the acceptance of EVs has charged ahead with 70% of young people saying they believed that EVs are simpler to charge, compared to filling a traditional fuel tank, according to IAM RoadSmart. The report cited similarities to charging a smart phone or tablet as well as safety concerns.
It also revealed more about the prospective buying habits of younger drivers with 51% saying that when it comes to buying a new car, they will save the money and pay upfront. Some 17% stated they would use car finance and only 10% were in favour of getting a bank loan.
Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Our research highlights how young people are being proactive, not reactive to climate issues and the changes to the automotive industry set to come by 2030, which is great to see.
“What these figures demonstrate is that the traditional split between manual and automatic driving licences is becoming less and less relevant to modern motoring. It’s time that this artificial distinction was ditched as part of an overall review of learning to drive that prioritises experience in all traffic conditions over the type of gearbox you have.
“Until things change however, young people need to be aware that manual driving licences will always open up a wider range of job opportunities for them, particularly as the country recovers from the pandemic.”
