Many motorists unaware of government EV grants

According to a new study of 15,549 drivers commissioned by the AA and Electrifying.com, 81% think electric cars are still too expensive, but a large majority (63%) have never heard of the plug-in grant which could help them make a purchase, while 50% have never heard of the Electric Vehicle Home Charge Scheme.

Howevver, the study found that one in three drivers (34%) say an electric car would suit their lifestyle right now, a further third (32%) find going to the petrol station a chore (this rises to 40% among women) and more than half (62%) like the idea of waking up to a full battery.

But work is still needed to educate and reassure drivers ahead of the ban and half of drivers (49%) feel less confident about driving an electric car than a petrol or diesel car.

The research has also revealed that 56% are unwilling to give up their conventionally-powered cars and a similar percentage have fears around the reliability of the charging network, the National Grid and even the vehicles themselves.

The top five things to give drivers more confidence in Electric Vehicles were ease of access to a charging point at home (75%); knowing you could get plug in at any charging point whoever runs it (73%);  a reliable fast charging network on the motorway network (72%); more charging stations at shopping centres, supermarkets, leisure centres (72%); and if an EV cost the same as the equivalent petrol or diesel car ( 69%).

These are all valid points which potential electric car owners want to be addressed. However, awareness of the Government’s financial support available to those considering the switch today is relatively low; 69% had never heard of the lower benefit in kind taxes for company car drivers; 63% had never heard of plug-in car grant; 50% have never heard of home charge point grant; and 23% had never heard of reduced vehicle excise duty (car tax).