Petrol and diesel drivers have admitted to being hesitant about the switch to electric cars because of a lack of knowledge, despite EV owners being overwhelmingly satisfied with their choice.
New research shows that 88 per cent of petrol and diesel car owners say they need more information about electric vehicles before transitioning.
The data, from Octopus Electroverse and Autotrader, found that around a fifth of these drivers said a lack of knowledge is one of the biggest factors preventing them from investing in an electric car.
Fuel drivers are also nine times more likely to think that electric vehicles cost more to maintain, and eight times more likely to assume general EV running costs are higher.
These misconceptions could see drivers miss out on huge annual savings of an average of £860 when charging at home using a specialist tariff.
Motorists can save even more when taking into account all aspects of car ownership, including taxes, maintenance and even parking in some areas.
Recent Autotrader data confirmed that electric cars were cheaper than petrol on average for the first time, including discounts and Government grants.
Matt Davies, Director of Octopus Electroverse, said: “The biggest barrier to EV adoption today isn’t infrastructure or performance, it’s a lack of information.
Data found that a large perception problem exists with drivers when considering the EV switch
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GETTY/PA“Many petrol and diesel drivers think EVs are complicated and expensive, but in reality, thousands of EV owners say they’re reliable, cheaper to run, and a joy to drive.”
Mr Davies encouraged drivers who were still hesitant about making the switch to test an electric car and experience the benefits firsthand.
Recent statistics from the Department for Transport confirmed that there are more than two million electric vehicles on the road across the UK.
Experts predict that electric vehicles will soon reach a tipping point, with this potentially occurring sooner than expected given the soaring price of fuel as a result of the Iran war.
Drivers can save hundreds of pounds a year when charging their EVs at home
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GETTYAs petrol and diesel car owners face some of the highest prices seen in the last three years, drivers are facing enormous costs, further highlighting the potential savings from investing in an electric vehicle.
Electric car owners were almost twice as likely to call their car more reliable than a petrol equivalent, with 48 per cent of EV drivers saying they are “extremely satisfied” with their vehicle.
Charging at home was also cited as a major benefit for electric car owners, even though more than half of petrol and diesel drivers said this would be a headache for them.
With EV-friendly home tariffs, drivers could save hundreds or even thousands of pounds a year compared to those relying on public chargers or buying fuel.
There are more than 120,000 public electric car chargers around the UK
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GETTYThere are more than 120,000 electric vehicle chargers across the UK, with drivers able to rely on chargers up and down the country if they cannot charge at home.
Two-thirds of motorists said public chargers were easy to find and quick to use, further adding to the benefits of zero emission vehicles.
Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Autotrader, stated: “Electric vehicles are a once-in-a-generation technology shift, which is exciting and intimidating all at once.
“We know EV drivers love their cars and the driving and ownership experiences they bring, but many who haven’t made the switch yet still have concerns.
“This new data shows a big perception versus reality problem and so we’re delighted to join Octopus Electroverse to shout about the EV glow and empower more drivers to electrify their driving.”
