In a survey of 534 drivers by the vehicle management specialist, only 16% said that they would consider an EV. Of the 420 who provided reasons for their decision, 35% stated lack of range as the main reason behind their decision not to opt for an EV next time around. Lack of knowledge (13%) and lack of an adequate re-charging infrastructure (12%) were the next most cited reasons.

Roddy Graham at the Leasedrive Group said: ‘It is particularly interesting that, of the 420 drivers surveyed who provided reasons for their decision, 13% cited a lack of knowledge as their main reason for not considering an EV as their next company car. This was ahead of the lack of a comprehensive recharging infrastructure, which goes to show how much more needs to be done to educate prospective drivers.

This is where government should take the lead. As it was quite extraordinary that it did not have a central pool of information on recharging points until last year and has really played around with incentives, so it has failed to create a central “classroom” on all things EV. It has been left to vehicle manufacturers and interested third parties to seize the initiative in promoting the benefits of EVs.

‘It certainly comes as no surprise that the biggest reason for not considering an electric vehicle as a next company car is range. Unless drivers regularly travel in an urban area or between two closely connected urban areas, they are unlikely to consider an EV as their main vehicle.

‘Wider adoption is dependent on improved battery technology which allows extensive distances to be covered without re-charge. Of course the re-charging infrastructure needs to be more comprehensive but when everyone is so "time poor" in the 21st century, the last thing drivers have the time to do is spend time looking for a re-charging point, hoping it is free and then waiting for a minimum charge to take place.

‘For now, hybrids and range extenders offer the most practical solution until battery technology improves substantially.’

 

Leasedrive research:

Would you consider choosing an EV?

Yes – 86

No – 271

Unsure – 177

Total – 534

 

Reasons against choosing an EV

Poor range – 148 (35%)

Lack of knowledge – 54 (13%)

Lack of adequate re-charging infrastructure – 51 (12%)

Other – 40 (10%)

Charge time – 26 (6%)

Hybrid over EV – 20 (5%)

Technology – 11 (3%)

Cost – 5 (1%)

Practicality – 5 (1%)

Might choose an EV – 60 (14%)

 

Age Profile

18 to 29 – 23

30 to 39 – 106

40 to 49 – 189

50 to 59 – 191

60 to 70 – 25

Total – 534

 

Gender Profile

Male – 361

Female – 173

Total – 534