New research has revealed a large gap between perception and reality of driving an electric vehicle.
The survey from Octopus and Autotrader showed that EV drivers report significantly higher satisfaction than fuel drivers anticipate in areas such as charging, reliability, running costs and performance, uncovering a significant gap in expectation versus experience.
This also comes as 88% of fuel drivers say they need more information before making the switch to electric, with a fifth stating the lack of knowledge is what is stopping them from buying an EV.
Costs are one of the most striking factors. Fuel drivers are nearly nine times more likely to think EVs cost more to maintain, and eight times more likely to assume day-to-day running costs are higher.
In reality, EV owners pocket an average of £860 a year by charging on a specialist tariff at home (based on charging on Intelligent Octopus Go traveling 7,600 miles a year).
This comes as Autotrader data recently showed that new electric cars are now cheaper than petrol on average for the first time, including discounts and government grants.
EV owners are also almost twice as likely to call their car more reliable than a petrol equivalent, and overall satisfaction among EV drivers sits at 85% – with nearly half (48%) describing themselves as extremely satisfied, against just 31% of fuel drivers who say the same.
Charging at home, expected to be a headache for more than half of fuel drivers, turns out to be one of EV owners' favourite things about the car, with 9 out of 10 (87%) of those able to charge at home describing it as easy and convenient.
On the road, two-thirds of drivers say public chargers are easy to find and quick to use, with the UK network recently skyrocketing past 111,000 charge points.
Matt Davies, Director of Octopus Electroverse, said: ”The biggest barrier to EV adoption today isn’t infrastructure or performance, it’s a lack of information. Many petrol and diesel drivers think EVs are complicated and expensive, but in reality thousands of EV owners say they’re reliable, cheaper to run, and a joy to drive.
“The driver conversations and data show that it’s getting behind the wheel that really counts: anyone who’s curious should jump in and experience the benefits firsthand!”
Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Autotrader, said: “Electric vehicles are a once-in-a-generation technology shift which is exciting and intimidating all at once.
“We know EV drivers love their cars and the driving and ownership experiences they bring, but many who haven’t made the switch yet still have concerns. This new data shows a big perception versus reality problem and so we’re delighted to join Octopus Electroverse to shout about the EV glow and empower more drivers to electrify their driving.”
