Drivers need help ‘using their new electric car’ and ‘operating public chargers’ as Britons switch to EVs

Three in 10 drivers said they would like training on how to use electric cars, including details on the main features of an EV.

Many were also keen to learn about how the maximise the life of the battery and the best ways to drive their EV efficiently, showing concerns around charging and range anxiety remain.

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Drivers have called for charging help when looking to buy an EV

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According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the average battery range of an electric vehicle on the market is 236 miles.

However, with more manufacturers focusing on electric vehicles, range anxiety is expected to disappear in the coming years, with many higher-end EVs already having a range of around 400 miles.

Data from Zapmap shows there are 75,675 public charging devices around the UK, with 1,064 added in the last month alone.

To help ease the fears of drivers, the Government is aiming to have 300,000 public chargers installed by the end of the decade.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “Switching from a petrol or diesel car to an electric one is a big change for most people, and this research indicates they are nervous about the prospect and looking for support.

“They want to know that they’ll be able to charge at home, help to operate public charging and just simply how to use their new electric car – and they would like the dealer selling the vehicle to provide all of this.”

The expert noted that some showrooms are already helping drivers learn more about EVs, including becoming an Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) dealership.

This independent, government-backed scheme shows customers that the dealership is an expert in electric vehicles and helps drivers have confidence in choosing an EV that is suitable for their needs.

The Startline Used Car Tracker report also found that the price difference between petrol and electric cars has fallen from 51 per cent to 18 per cent in the last six years.

Consumer attitudes are also changing, with 17 per cent of drivers willing to pay up to 20 per cent more for an electric car than a petrol vehicle.

SMMT data from February revealed that new electric vehicle registrations made up an impressive 25.3 per cent of the total market share, representing one in four new cars sold.

In total, 21,244 new battery electric vehicles were registered in February – an increase of 41.7 per cent year-on-year.

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There are hopes the UK will see 300,000 public chargers by the end of the decade

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The market share of new petrol cars has fallen to less than 50 per cent, while new diesel vehicles make up just five per cent of sales, as drivers prefer EVs and hybrid models.

There are hopes electric vehicles will see an even larger market share in March thanks to the new “25” number plate being introduced, which normally results in a huge spike in new car sales.