Fleet Evolution is working with Aston University on a research project to investigate drivers’ perceptions around electric vehicles.

The research looks at current perceptions around electrification and is designed to gauge views on electric cars and charging infrastructure

The study, which is open to anyone, including fleets and business/private drivers, will be published in the new year when participants will be sent a copy of the report on request.

The research looks at current perceptions around electrification and is designed to gauge views on electric cars and charging infrastructure, as well as looking to highlight gaps in current product ranges and charging networks.

It delves into how participants’ cars are currently powered and how many miles are typically driven, including how many times a single journey over 150 miles is made.

The research also looks at the likelihood of a new car buyer selecting an electric car as their next replacement vehicle and investigates the reasons why people hesitate to select an electric car. It also explores the 2030 ICE ban and asks whether drivers intend to switch to EVs ahead of the deadline.

The study also questions how much it costs in terms of home charging to cover 1,000 miles in an electric car, and asks respondents for their perceptions on the running costs of an EV compared with a petrol or diesel car.

And the research looks into drivers’ attitudes to commuting within Clean Air Zones and whether they would be prepared to switch to an EV to avoid the charge or whether they would decide to pay the charge instead.

Andrew Leech, managing director of EV salary sacrifice and fleet management specialist Fleet Evolution, said: “There are still plenty of misconceptions around EVs, particularly the availability of charge points and the extent of the charging networks.”

He added: “We hope this study will highlights some of the misconceptions around EVs and help increase awareness and knowledge around the process of going electric, and we will be publishing the results to help that education process.”

To help businesses make charging more widely available, Fleet Evolution is currently offering free installation of two-port chargers at the office car park of any customer with more than five of its cars on the fleet.

“That way, employees without access to home charging can charge their vehicles for the one or two days a week they now go to the office,” Andrew Leech.

To access the Fleet Evolution/Aston University study, click here.