Newslink December

News
A new electric car charging station in
Braintree, Essex. Operated by Gridserve, it
will be followed by two more sites in early
2021 – with plans for over 100
nationwide eventually. The Braintree site
can re-charge 24 cars simultaneously
Tide turns as public cottons
on to electric idea
Research by Auto Trader shows that
public backing for electric vehicles is at
its highest level ever as the Government
announced the end of petrol/diesel
engined sales by 2030 – but it’s still a
‘may be’ or ‘possible’ idea for their next
car, rather than a ‘probable’ purchase.
A survey conducted in August of
1,600 motorist found that:
• 77 per cent of respondents who are
looking to buy a new car are considering
buying an EV
• 91 per cent are concerned about the
impact of cars on the environment – and
half are more concerned than they were
a few years ago
• 53 per cent are considering an EV
because of cost savings associated with
running costs, 48 per cent said it was to
reduce pollution
• 62 per cent of people in urban areas
are considering an EV, compared with 45
per cent of people in rural areas and
villages.
Ian Plummer, director at Auto Trader,
said the results showed the tide was
turning towards electric cars, but it was
slow. “In order to meet the Government’s
timetable, the sale of EVs must overtake
the sale of traditional ICE cars by 2024.
But, on the current sales trajectory this
won’t happen until 2029 at the earliest
– and that’s just overtake, not completely
vanquish.
“It’s clear that electric vehicles need to
be the preferred option to the masses
and not just to those who are
environmentalists, early adopters or the
wealthy that can afford their high price
tags, but that isn’t the case yet.
“Over the last six months, while supply
levels of EVs have increased with the
launch of several new models, consumer
demand hasn’t increased at the same
pace. In a world of so much unrest,
consumers have stuck to what they know
– particularly petrol cars.”
The survey found key concerns were:
• Charging infrastructure
• Range capabilities
• Price gap at 15-20 per cent higher
cost than petrol or diesel equivalents,
• Upfront cost
Ian added: “While the commitment
might be second behind Norway, we are
a considerable distance behind them in
terms of market share and valuable
incentives which make a huge difference
to the overall cost and therefore adoption
‘‘
These clear and ambitious
targets are empty without a
clear, substantial path to help
customers switch to EVs
‘‘
levels. The incredibly ambitious targets
are empty without a clear, substantial
path to help consumers switch to EVs.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive,
said: “We share Government’s ambition
to in decarbonise road transport. Success
will depend on reassuring consumers
that they can afford these new
technologies, that they will deliver their
mobility needs and, critically, that they
can recharge as easily as they refuel.”
The BVRLA was equally welcoming
but warns that setting dates is only the
start of the process. “Many fleet
operators are unable to source
appropriate electric vehicles for their
needs while others have a business
model that struggles to absorb the
additional cost and charging constraints
of running EVs,” said a spokesman.
“2030 is an extremely aggressive
phase-out target, but one that will be
embraced by many drivers and fleet
operators.
“The 2035 extension for plug-in and
full hybrids provides an essential lifeline
for those facing a greater zero-emission
challenge.
“Vehicle rental companies and van
fleet operators will be very relieved to
have this additional breathing space but
will need clarity on exactly what types of
hybrid are in scope.”
EVA England, a consumer association
offering a voice for electric vehicle drivers
in England, welcomed the news, saying
the decision supports the UK’s ambition
to have net zero CO 2
emissions by 2050
to combat climate change, and the
urgent need to improve local air quality.
Gill Nowell, a director at EVA England,
said: “We welcome this news and
judging by the results of our survey of
electric vehicle drivers that we ran in the
summer, and so will the EV community
in England.
“Drivers that go electric in England
typically do so as they are concerned
about air pollution, climate change, or
want to significantly reduce their fuel
costs. Regardless of their motivations
going into their first purchase, the
majority find that they are just great
vehicles to drive.
“While health, climate and affordability
are vitally important parts to this debate,
we also see EVs as the go to car choice
for many, as they become increasingly
more affordable and available.”
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NEWSLINK n DECEMBER 2020