Research is warning that the switch away from petrol and diesel cars and towards zero emission vehicles could be impacted by misinformation.
Manufacturers like Vauxhall owner Stellantis and Nissan are having a negative impact on the perception of electric vehicles, as brands continue to question the effectiveness of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
As the ZEV mandate moves into its second year of operation, manufacturers will be required to increase their output of environmentally friendly cars and vans.
By the end of this year, manufacturers must ensure that 28 per cent of all car sales and 16 per cent of total van sales are zero emission.
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Misinformation about batteries and safety is harming the uptake of electric vehicles
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Failing to adhere to these targets could see manufacturers fined £15,000 per vehicle. However, it is assumed that brands will not need to pay fines for the first few years as they can “trade” credits with other companies.
Former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares took aim at the ZEV mandate earlier in 2024, saying the brand would need to assess its UK operations, adding that competition was being killed by the mandate.
Although the controversial CEO has left his position at Stellantis, the business is still moving forward with plans to close its Luton van factory and move all EV operations in the UK to its Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire.
Electrify Research’s Homeowner Electrification Tracker Study (HETS) identified that consumer opinions are being influenced by brands pressuring the Government to amend the terms of the ZEV mandate.
Almost two-thirds of homeowners in the UK see the mass adoption of electric vehicles as swapping one problem for another by moving from harmful emissions from oil to mining lithium for batteries.
Other notable misconceptions about the transition to electric vehicles include that the electricity grid will be unable to cope (52 per cent), EV batteries will wear out too quickly (52 per cent) and batteries are fire hazards (51 per cent).
Ben Marks, Managing Director of Electrify Research, pointed out that consumer misconceptions were the “real barrier” to faster uptake of EVs, rather than practical limitations.
He added: “These myths persist despite evidence proving EVs are greener, safer, and more cost-effective than petrol cars.
“The psychological impact of misinformation is stalling momentum and eroding trust in the market.”
The HETS research stated that EVs achieve carbon payback in two years, with newer batteries reducing the reliance on cobalt. Meanwhile, smart charging solutions are easing demand on the grid.
Data also shows that electric vehicle batteries lose just two per cent of capacity annually, retaining 90 per cent after five years.
Marks said: “Market research has been sorely missing from this debate. Our data provides a clear roadmap for understanding consumer psychology and breaking through the uncertainty surrounding EV adoption.”
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The ZEV mandate will require brands to have 80 per cent of sales come from electric cars by the end of 2030
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Legacy fears around the uptake of electric vehicles have long been identified as a reason for motorists being hesitant to switch, namely range anxiety and charging issues.
The latest data from Zapmap shows there are 72,594 charging devices around the UK, with more than 1,100 added in November. Experts remain hopeful that the goal of 300,000 chargers by the end of the decade will be achieved.
The average battery range of new electric vehicles is also growing rapidly, with many cars around the £30,000 mark being able to travel at least 250 or 300 miles.