The AA has called for the Government to allow plug-in hybrids on sale past the 2030 ICE ban as it warns that more needs to be done to make EVs accessible for everyone.

The AA says an awareness campaign, a healthy used EV market and targeted incentives are needed

A new report now out from the AA warns that demand for EVs from drivers has not met the supply enforced by the ZEV mandate, which is hitting the industry and government ambitions.

Published as reports claim that the Government is poised to make “substantial change” to the ZEV mandate, the AA is calling for a range of actions to deliver more support and better information to encourage EV uptake.

These include allowing new plug-in hybrids to stay on sale between 2030 and 2035 as a stepping stone for drivers who are hesitant to switch to full EVs. The AA says even the ‘rejectors’ would consider hybrids.

It also wants action to lower EV costs and says the Government should identify targeted incentives to make EVs more accessible for everyone. Examples include loans or tax breaks for the car and home charging, along with reducing VAT (20%) on public charging costs to match the VAT (5%) on home chargers.

Other AA suggestions include a coordinated public awareness campaign led by government and industry to provide accurate and impartial information to help drivers make informed decisions about EVs, along with work to address issues such as resale value, insurance costs and maintenance delays.

The motoring services specialist also wants action to boost the second-hand market and supports the Government’s proposal for battery health passports to alleviate concerns about the quality of used EVs.

And the AA wants action to improve charging visibility and slash red tape to allow signing of charging infrastructure, which would enhance the driver experience and perception of EVs.

The AA has published its calls to government as its new report shows very diverse driver views, ranging from enthusiasm at one end to total rejection at the other, which require different approaches and incentives to target these groups.

Misinformation spread by some media outlets and social media has fuelled some negative views but drivers are also confused by the transition.

Some 7% of respondents thought that the 2030 ICE ban means all petrol and diesel cars including used cars will be banned while a third think they can get a manual EV despite all EVs being automatic.

Almost three-quarters (73%) of ICE drivers have no experience of EVs at all and 20% say they still need to be convinced while 22% are vehemently against ever getting one.

But 52% of drivers claim to be likely/very likely to get an EV as their next car in the next five years or after that and one in 14 (7%) are already committed.

Jakob Pfaudler, AA CEO, said: “Our message to government is more needs to be done to make EVs accessible for everyone. Generally drivers are hesitant but most are not hostile to the change.”

He added: “Our research shows many people are confused by the transition which is not surprising as the main catalyst for change, the ZEV mandate, only governs supply but does little to encourage demand for EVs.

“The ambitious goal of the Climate Change Committee that 80% of cars and 74% of vans should be electric by 2040 shows how much needs to be done to get there.

“The AA, as a trusted brand with 14 million members, is in a great position to help government and drivers make this transition which is essential if we are to reach our climate goals. As a starting point, a government-backed awareness campaign, a healthy used EV market and some targeted incentives are needed to charge up the transition.”

The AA Viewpoint Report What do drivers want from the EV transition and summary of research findings is online here.