Accident management specialist AX is launching an EV test drive initiative to enhance sustainability and help boost demand for electric vehicles.

EValuate gives drivers access to an EV for 28 days on average while their petrol or diesel vehicle is being repaired

EValuate by AX gives petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicle drivers the opportunity to experience an EV replacement vehicle while their own vehicle is being repaired following an accident.

EValuate gives drivers access to an EV for 28 days on average, longer than the normal test drive and providing the 40,000 motorists AX handles annually with a more in-depth experience of what it is like to live with an EV.

With average repair periods increasing due to the complexity of modern vehicles and global supply chain issues impacting access to parts, the EValuate initiative provides drivers of combustion engine vehicles with an extended, real-world EV test drive while their vehicle is off the road.

And with almost 25% of vehicles deemed a total loss following an accident, a temporary EV replacement could become a permanent transition, boosting EV adoption among private drivers and resulting in sales leads for dealers and OEMs.

An AX survey found nearly half (44%) of motorists think that an EV replacement is an effective way of testing out EV ownership. The survey also revealed more than over 18% of motorists are considering purchasing an EV as their next car.

The initiative could play a vital role in boosting lacklustre demand for EVs from private drivers. While the fully electric vehicle market share rose to 17.6% in May, this was sustained entirely by fleet and business buyers as private retail demand continues to drop – only around one in six new BEVs bought this year have gone to consumers. This makes it more challenging for manufacturers to meet the Government’s zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

However, a recent study suggests that 91% of EV drivers would not consider returning to a vehicle with a combustion engine. AX will use its diverse fleet of 5,000 vehicles and unique partnerships with vehicle manufacturers to enable consumers to experience an EV replacement while their vehicle is being repaired following an accident.

The initiative is seen as a win for drivers, as well as insurers, retailers and manufacturers in terms of sustainability objectives.

Scott Hamilton-Cooper, chief commercial officer at AX, said: “Our industry is uniquely placed to provide consumers a real-world experience of an EV for an extended period, which is significantly longer than traditional test drive schemes. It is a first in the accident aftercare sector and while giving consumers a far more immersive experience of an EV compared to a typical test drive, it will also help our partners to achieve their sustainability goals.

“It will bring down average CO2 emissions for our business while helping the fleets, insurers, and dealers we work with to minimise their environmental impact, too. Even if drivers do not go on to purchase an EV, for the duration of the hire period there is a significantly lower environmental impact.”

Dan Cripps, director of fleet & logistics at AX, added: “Our fleet is evolving as the nation embraces alternatively fuelled vehicles. By offering motorists the opportunity to test an EV for an extended period in their real-world environment, we can help boost private buyer demand and encourage more people to embrace electric vehicles. Having transitioned to an EV 12 months ago, I know there are adjustments to make but these will be understood and overcome quite quickly.”

EValuate will also be available through AX’s Motor Assist modular incident management service.