Roughly two-thirds of drivers have refused to go electric despite Labour’s push for more electric vehicles on UK roads, according to a new survey.
A survey of 1,000 drivers found that 66 per cent are not considering buying an electric vehicle, up from 56 per cent in June 2024.
The findings come as ministers continue encouraging drivers to make the switch ahead of the planned 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars as part of the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.
The research highlighted growing scepticism among motorists, with many citing high costs and practical concerns as reasons for avoiding electric vehicles.
More than a quarter of respondents said the upfront purchase price was the biggest barrier preventing them from going electric.
Range anxiety remains another major concern, with 16 per cent worried that electric vehicles cannot travel far enough on a single charge.
Public charging infrastructure also remains a stumbling block, with 12 per cent stating that a lack of charging points is putting them off making the switch.
Other concerns included uncertainty over resale values, the cost of repairs and replacement parts, and the expense of installing a home charger.
The report found that 66 per cent of drivers are not considering buying an electric vehicle
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GETTY/PAThe survey found that three-quarters of drivers would not voluntarily move to an electric vehicle unless they were forced to do so.
Just one in five motorists said they would actively choose to switch, while only eight per cent of those surveyed currently drive an electric vehicle.
A further seven per cent admitted they intend to wait until just before the 2030 deadline before making any decision.
The results suggested many drivers are taking a “wait and see” approach despite predictions that electric vehicles will become the dominant type of car on UK roads within the next decade.
The report warned that electric vehicles remain too expensive to charge for drivers to consider buying
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GETTYGreg Wilson, chief executive and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Long-term forecasts show electric vehicles becoming the majority on UK roads within the next decade.
“However, our latest research highlights that many drivers still aren’t personally ready to make the switch just yet, with a ‘wait and see’ approach emerging among motorists who are delaying decisions until much closer to the 2035 deadline.”
Affordability remains the biggest issue for many households, particularly as families continue to deal with wider cost-of-living pressures.
The survey also revealed concerns about the long-term costs of electric motoring, with drivers unsure about future charges and taxes.
The ZEV mandate requires all new petrol and diesel car sales to be electric by 2030 | PA
Upcoming pay-per-mile taxes have added to concerns about how much electric vehicle ownership could cost in the future.
Although the Government has introduced grants and invested heavily in charging infrastructure, the research suggested these measures have yet to convince a large proportion of motorists.
Mr Wilson acknowledged that progress has been made but said more needs to be done to reassure drivers.
He said ministers had invested in charging networks and introduced incentives to encourage adoption, but added that further work is needed to make electric vehicles “accessible and practical” for all motorists.