Half of UK drivers see themselves driving an EV in the next 10 years

Half (49%) of UK motorists see themselves driving an electric vehicle (EV) in the next decade, thanks to environmental gains made during the pandemic, according to a new study by Lloyds Banking Group.
 
Almost one third (32%) of UK drivers believe that the sustainability of their transport was a higher priority than before the pandemic – and almost the same figure (30%) plan to make their next vehicle a hybrid or pure electric.
 
With an increase in flexible working patterns, one in 10 (10%) drivers now plan to switch to a more sustainable method of commuting. This includes hybrid or electric cars, cycling and walking.
 
The increased awareness of sustainability is helping to offset some of the common concerns of adopting electric vehicles.
 
More than two-fifths (41%) of drivers would be happy to pay more for an EV than a petrol or diesel car, knowing they’ll save money in the long run, and the same number (41%) listed cheaper road tax and cheaper running costs as the top advantages of hybrids and EVs.
 
Price does remain a concern for some, however – with 57% of drivers saying they’d only consider making the switch if the prices of new EVs were to fall.
 
There’s also signs that ‘range anxiety’ – the fear that an EV will simply run out of charge mid-journey – appears to be abating. Two-thirds (64%) were not concerned by the availability of charge points across the UK, and only a third (35%) worried about running out of battery mid-journey.
 
Richard Jones, Managing Director Lex Autolease and Black Horse, Lloyds Banking Group commented: “Drivers attitudes towards electric vehicle ownership are changing and the positive sustainability and running cost benefits are clearly cutting through. This trend is set to continue as society establishes new-norms after more than a year of upheaval.
 
“Working from home two or three days a week will also reduce the number of miles on the road, meaning that a traditionally fuelled petrol or diesel car might no longer be the most appropriate option for more and more drivers. Consumers can adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly transport decisions that suit the changing nature of the workforce and new initiatives like salary sacrifice schemes help to make EVs more achievable for commuters and support overall progress towards a greener future.
 
“Despite the positive outcomes of this research, fundamental challenges remain that require significant government support, the most important is the affordability of EVs for new and used car buyers. The used car EV market is yet to be established and buyers will struggle to bridge the gap on price without support, even after accounting for running cost savings. We want to work with the policy makers to ensure we can establish an attractive marketplace for used EVs as well as work to expand the UK’s charge point infrastructure and to continue grid decarbonisation. These three pillars are fundamental to driving EV adoption in support of 2030 ambitions.”