Electric vehicles have been a hot topic of conversation in recent years, with the UK government aiming to transition to a zero-emission vehicle future by 2035. However, recent data from car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk paints a bleak picture of the current readiness of the UK for this monumental shift. A staggering 90% of the 1,000 surveyed motorists agreed that the UK is not adequately prepared for electric vehicles, with nearly 80% expressing skepticism about the proposed 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars, deeming it too premature.
The Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate (ZEV) sets ambitious targets for the UK, with 80% of new cars and 70% of vans sold by 2030 required to be zero-emission, ultimately leading to a complete shift to electric vehicles by 2035. While 2024 saw a record-breaking 382,000 electric vehicles sold, representing a 21% increase from the previous year, the demand for electric vehicles remains sluggish, with only 2.7% of all vehicles on the road being licensed zero-emission vehicles.
When asked about their plans to switch to electric vehicles, 57% of respondents expressed no intention to make the transition, while 14% indicated they would consider doing so just before the ban comes into effect. Surprisingly, only 6% of respondents already own an electric vehicle, highlighting the significant gap between intentions and actions in the current automotive landscape.
Incentives play a crucial role in encouraging motorists to make the switch to electric vehicles, with 54% of respondents calling for government grants and tax benefits to facilitate the transition. Additionally, 48% noted that free installation of EV chargers at home or on driveways would make them more likely to consider switching to electric vehicles. Despite the availability of some grant funding options, such as the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant, the recent expiration of programs like the Plug-In Car Grant and the impending resumption of road tax for electric vehicles in April 2025 pose challenges to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, highlighted the significant hurdles that impede the transition to electric vehicles, emphasizing the high cost of purchasing an EV and the limited availability of public charging infrastructure as key concerns among motorists. While there has been a notable 38% increase in the number of charging points in the last 12 months, with the government aiming for 300,000 public charging stations by 2030, issues such as low mileage, repair costs, home charger installation expenses, and resale prices remain critical barriers to widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
As Wilson aptly pointed out, “The future may well be electric – but we’re quite a way off making it a realistic option for the majority of UK households.” The road to a zero-emission vehicle future is fraught with challenges, from infrastructure development to consumer sentiment, requiring concerted efforts from all stakeholders to overcome obstacles and pave the way for a sustainable automotive industry.
