AA and Chargemaster partner to address EV myths

AA research suggests that there will be more than 500,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in use by 2020.

However, while figures are encouraging, the AA believes that the projection could increase if buyers were more aware of electric vehicle (EV) benefits.

Partnering with Chargemaster, the two companies have provided advice, support and access to a UK-wide network of chargers, and will now collaboratively deliver a range of benefits, including bespoke home charging units, access to thousands of charging points and preferential charging rates.

The new partnership will facilitate a rapid expansion of the number of domestic and public charging points in the UK. At present, Chargemaster is rolling out 40 of its latest technology 50kW Ultrachargers in London which will charge an EV in less than 30 minutes, quadrupling the rapid chargers inside the M25.

However, according to the two companies, nine out of ten drivers are unaware of government grants to cover up to 75 per cent (£500 max) of home charging point installations and 96 per cent of drivers over-estimate or don’t know the cost of home charging points - both of which are holding back market growth.

An AA Populous poll identified the top five EV misconceptions: high purchase price; public charge point availability; time to offset higher purchase price through fuel & taxation savings; battery durability; and range.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “We think that the EV revolution is about to take off and we want to help consumers understand the benefits of low cost, low emission driving and to show them it is accessible and affordable. Per mile driven an EV is five times cheaper than the average petrol car and carries no vehicle excise duty.

“Sales of new ultra-low emissions vehicles (ULEV) doubled over the last year.  And 63,000 drivers have taken advantage of the plug-in car grant. We expect the market to grow substantially, as buyers overcome their misconceptions.

“The vast number of car journeys are under 25 miles and a third of households have two or more cars. Hence, we estimate that more than two million second cars could be electric tomorrow, with no disadvantages and many cost-saving benefits.”
     
David Martell, Chargemaster CEO, added: “This new relationship with the AA will see hundreds more AA branded charging points installed.  They’ll go in at AA-rated hotels and other accessible public places such as supermarkets, public car parks and town centres while we will be embarking on a public awareness campaign to show that charging a vehicle at home is neither difficult or costly."