Two-fifths (43%) of UK motorists say their understanding of electric and hybrid vehicles is poor, with less than five years to go until the 2030 ICE ban.

The study, carried out by Peugeot UK among 2,000 UK motorists, found just 23% of participants believe their understanding of electric vehicles was good or very good. That’s despite the UK already having 1.5 million electric cars on the road.

Compared to research carried out by Peugeot UK in 2023 on electric vehicle knowledge, the percentage of motorists who said they had the best understanding of petrol or diesel cars decreased by 6% to 61%. However, this is still the most well-understood type of vehicle, even though sales of pure internal combustion engine (ICE) cars are set to end in 2030.

Peugeot UK’s latest research also reveals further significant gaps in the public’s understanding of electric vehicles, with 21% of motorists not sure whether plug-in hybrid and fully electric cars are different.

Research also found that there were considerable differences in knowledge of electric vehicles between younger and older generations. Nearly half (49%) of 25- to 34-year-olds believe they have a good or excellent understanding of electric vehicles, compared to just 13% of over 65s.

Electric vehicle knowledge also differed depending on region, with 49% of Londoners rating their electric vehicle knowledge as good or excellent. The East of England was the least knowledgeable about electric vehicles, with just 12% of motorists in the region claiming that their knowledge of electric vehicles is either good or excellent.

Unsurprisingly, 83% of Londoners had either heard of or had at least some understanding of the term Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This is in comparison to just a quarter of those from the north east of England.

When asked about charging times, just 38% of 18- to 24-year-olds correctly said that electric vehicles such as the Peugeot E-3008 could charge to 80% in under 30 minutes, increasing to nearly half of 25- to 34-year-olds (49%). Only 21% of over 65s were aware that electric vehicles could charge to 80% in under 30 minutes.

When it comes to grants available for electric vehicle purchases, nearly half of 18 to 24-year-olds were aware that electric vans are eligible for the UK government Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG), compared to just 23% of over 65s.

All electric Peugeot models benefit from the Peugeot Electric Promise, designed to reassure customers about the reliability and charging of all-electric models and including eight-year / 100,000-mile vehicle cover thanks to Peugeot Care, plus an eight-year / 100,000-mile battery warranty and access to a Free2Move Charge Pass, in partnership with Octopus Electroverse, that offers one-tap access to over 700,000+ public charge points across the UK and Europe.

In 2024, Peugeot was ZEV mandate compliant and doubled its electric vehicle sales in the UK, with the brand’s electric vehicle market share outperforming its overall car and van market share.

Nicola Dobson, Peugeot UK managing director, said: “The latest survey in electric vehicle knowledge shows that progress is being made with electrification in the UK, but there is still more that needs to be done to provide the public with clear information to help them make the switch.

“At Peugeot, we are committed to supporting motorists through the EV transition with our Peugeot Electric Promise, which includes initiatives such as the 8-year Peugeot CARE to give customers the confidence to embrace electric mobility, as well as offering the widest EV line-up of any mainstream European brand.”