A study by the motoring organisation found that many drivers have misconceptions about what changes are coming and when.
In a survey of more than 14,000 AA members, 7% thought the Government was banning the sale of used petrol and diesel cars. This isn’t true – only the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned from 2030.
About a third of those questioned thought manual EVs exist, despite them all being automatic. In addition, many drivers didn’t appreciate that as the ban nears, fewer internal combustion engine (ICE) cars will be available for sale.
The AA said the assumption has been that demand for EVs will follow supply, which is influenced by the Government’s zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, and that the market will find its own path to equilibrium.
However, demand for EVs from drivers has not met the supply, which, the AA said, is a problem for both car manufacturers and Government ambitions.
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Diverse driver views
The AA’s study found that affordability of EVs is vital, and as a majority of drivers buy used cars, a healthy second-hand car market is essential. The current EV system to support drivers is not well-developed and this is damaging EV owner advocacy, even from some of the early adopters.
The AA’s research identified very diverse driver views, with enthusiasm at one end and total rejection at the other.
About 7% of those questioned already owned an EV, or had driven one in the past. About half (52%) of those questioned said they would be likely/very likely to get an EV as their next car in the next five years, or after that.
But about a fifth (22%) of drivers polled totally rejected EVs and said they will never get one. A similar number (20%) were neutral or unlikely to get an EV as their next car and were less likely to get one in the future.
Public awareness campaign needed
The AA has recommended that the Government and industry run a coordinated public awareness campaign to address the doubts and needs of different driver segments. This campaign should provide accurate and impartial information to help drivers make informed decisions about EVs.
It also said the Government should identify targeted incentives – such as loans or tax breaks for the car and home charging – to make EVs more accessible for everyone. It said that reducing VAT on public chargers (20%) to match VAT on home chargers (5%) would make EV access more equitable.
The AA supports the Government’s proposal for battery health passports to alleviate concerns about the quality of used EVs. This initiative could help improve confidence in the second-hand market.
The motoring organisation also suggested allowing new plug-in hybrids between 2030 and 2035 as a stepping stone for drivers who are hesitant to switch to full EVs.
Jakob Pfaudler, the AA’s CEO, said: “Our message to Government is more needs to be done to make EVs accessible for everyone. Generally, drivers are hesitant but most are not hostile to the change. The AA is in a unique position to help as we deal with drivers throughout the driving lifecycle from learning to drive, buying, insuring, and repairing their cars.
“Our research shows many people are confused by the transition, which is not surprising, as the main catalyst for change – the ZEV mandate – only governs supply but does little to encourage demand for EVs.
“The ambitious goal of the Climate Change Committee that 80% of cars and 74% of vans should be electric by 2040 shows how much needs to be done to get there. As a starting point, a Government-backed awareness campaign, a healthy used EV market, and some targeted incentives are needed to charge up the transition.”
Sue Davies, Which?’s head of consumer rights and food policy, said: “When it comes to making sustainable choices such as switching to an electric car, our research shows that people are often held back by high costs, complex choices or uncertainty.
“The Government needs to provide the right information on electric vehicles and other sustainable choices so that people have the confidence to switch.”
