The majority of drivers looking to replace their cars or vans will consider going electric but large numbers are unaware of the cost-saving benefits of EVs and the reduced Benefit-in-Kind tax.

Young drivers aged 25-34 are most likely to consider an EV as their next vehicle – but feel least likely to be able to afford one

That’s according to a new study on EV adoption in the UK, published today in association with World EV Day by a consortium of the UK’s leading automotive experts.

The study of more than 1,900 UK drivers was conducted by Ipsos on behalf of LeasePlan UK, LV= General Insurance and ElectriX, Shell Recharge, Ohme, Cenex, Auto Trader, Connec

On the whole, it finds that perceptions of EVs are generally positive. The research shows that 64% of people who are intending to buy, lease or subscribe to, or replace a car or van in the future say they would definitely or probably consider an EV for their next car or van, and 49% of those with a driving licence agree that they like the technology.

But 53% of people agree that switching to an EV would be a confusing process, and some familiar concerns exist around the perceived purchase and running costs of an EV, the reliability of information about range and charging infrastructure, and the ways this is presented.

Interestingly, higher vehicle costs aren’t perceived as a barrier. Many (70%) of those who would consider an electric vehicle recognised that the initial retail/sticker/list price was higher, while 38% expect higher monthly lease or finance costs to drive one.

But even among this demographic, awareness of in-life savings was relatively low. Comparing EVs with petrol or diesel cars:

• 48% expected lower charges for parking or entering a city centre (such as clean air zones)
• 47% said cheaper taxation for electric vehicles (such as road tax or Benefit-in-Kind) would be lower
• 42% believe they will reduce their overall running costs (such as fuel, servicing, insurance and maintenance)

And the research shows that EVs need to become more affordable and perceived more positively, especially among younger people. Those who would consider buying an EV also need clearer cost comparisons with internal combustion engine (ICE).

And the firms say the language around the vehicles themselves and their charging infrastructure needs to be simple, to give EV considerers more confidence in making the switch to electric.

Finally, the research indicated that EVs, and the infrastructure powering them, need to become more intuitive for drivers.

The full findings of the report, along with the group’s recommendations on accelerating EV take-up, in particular younger drivers, can be found here.