Less than a third (32%) of drivers said they would consider changing to an electric vehicle. Of those who were positive about the new technology, reduced CO2 emissions were cited as being the major factor (73%), followed by perceived lower running costs (69%). Only 6% said they would switch to an electric vehicle immediately.

Even with UK fuel prices at record levels, ALD said the survey highlighted manufacturers and the Government still have some way to go in overcoming business drivers’ scepticism associated with running an electric vehicle. This is despite fleets buying 59% of all electric vehicles sold in 2011 and 93% of those sold so far this year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Recent changes to the Benefit in Kind (BIK) rate could also have a negative effect on the uptake of electric vehicles among business drivers. At present, business drivers running electric vehicles do not pay any BIK tax, while low-emission hybrids like the Vauxhall Ampera sit in the 5% company car tax bracket. However, the Government has decided to make business users pay company car tax on low-CO2 vehicles from 2015/16; both types of vehicle will fall into the 13% band.

Keith Allen, managing director of ALD Automotive UK, said: 'The survey results highlight that whilst some business drivers may consider changing to an electric vehicle in the future, lack of charging points and battery range still need to be addressed by the Government and manufacturers in order to convince business drivers to make that all important switch.'