Zenith, along with fleet industry body the BVRLA, is calling on the Government to help drivers switch to EVs after a new study found the majority of drivers still don’t want to go electric.

Andy Wolff, commercial director of Zenith’s corporate division, said consumer incentives to go EV are limited

Published a day before the Government’s consultation on the ZEV mandate and 2030 ICE phase-out closes, the new research shows vast swathes of drivers are still being left out of the EV transition and need more help.

Zenith’s study found cost was a major factor when encouraging drivers to make the switch.

Four in 10 (41%) of those surveyed claimed they’d be encouraged to move to an electric vehicle if there were more affordable options available, with a third (33%) stating they’d transition if the Government provided more financial incentives.

Confidence in used EVs was also an obstacle. While a pre-owned car provides a more accessible price point, the reliability of a used EV battery came into question, with more than a quarter (26%) of drivers stating they’d be encouraged to transition if more used EVs came with guarantees on battery health.

Concerns over charging infrastructure were another barrier to those looking to move away from petrol and diesel powertrains. Despite a record number of public chargers being installed across the UK last year – and with the network growing by 35% since January 2024 – more than a third of drivers (35%) surveyed said they wouldn’t transition until charging infrastructure matured further.

Zenith and the BVRLA urged the Government to continue to incentivise the EV transition, support the used EV market and work with the sector to launch a campaign to eliminate common misconceptions and conflicting information. This would ultimately encourage more drivers to transition to a greener vehicle, allowing them to make a fact-based decision when it comes to purchasing an EV, they say.

Andy Wolff, commercial director of Zenith’s corporate division, explained that while the company car and salary sacrifice markets are making major strides on the road to net zero, there remains limited incentive for wider consumers to transition to EVs in the retail market.

He added that the experiences in the fleet and sal-sac sectors demonstrate that when supported and incentivised, drivers will back the transition.

“By incentivising drivers and helping to resolve some of the common misconceptions around electric vehicles – especially when it comes to battery health and the charging network – we can work on transitioning those who are, as of yet, unconvinced by the move to electric vehicles, and ensure EVs work for all.”

Thomas McLennan (left), BVRLA director of policy and public affairs

Thomas McLennan, BVRLA director of policy and public affairs, said the fleet sector showed the positive impact that effective incentives are having on EV adoption.

“Targeted support is driving uptake of electric company cars and making EVs accessible to more people via salary sacrifice schemes. They alone cannot shoulder the growing weight of new registrations. Access to electric vehicles has to be expanded.

“Having a healthy, sustainable used EV market holds the key.

“We are proud to see our sector leading the way and are continuing to work in collaboration with government and other critical stakeholders to help set the transition up for success.”

UK dealers call for fiscal incentives and public awareness

The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has also stressed the urgent need for incentives, emphasising that stimulating consumer demand is crucial for driving market growth.

In its submission to the government consultation, the industry body underscored that current measures to support the demand for ZEVs in the UK are “inadequate” and require significant enhancement to unlock their full potential.

The NFDA is calling for direct fiscal incentives and action on charging infrastructure and grid connections

It’s calling for direct fiscal incentives for private drivers and public awareness campaigns to myth-bust EVs and highlight their benefits.

Other calls from the dealer association include action on charging infrastructure including work to expedite grid connections.

The NFDA emphasised that dealers are fully committed to the transition to electric vehicles, with members highlighting the vital role hybrids can play in bridging the gap between 2030 and 2035.

It also stressed the importance of distinguishing between cars and commercial vehicles, noting that trucks and vans, which are essential for businesses, require a different approach.

Sue Robinson, chief executive of the association, commented: “With the ZEV mandate quota rising to 28% for new cars and 16% for new vans in 2025, alongside fines increasing from £9,000 to £18,000 for non-compliant vans, it is crucial that the Government urgently addresses the concerns raised by the wider industry.

“NFDA has lobbied repeatedly on the ZEV mandate, both before and after its implementation. This has included hosting the Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood MP, at NFDA’s Parliamentary Dinner, and sending letters to the Business Secretary and Transport Secretary.

“NFDA members remain fully committed to the transition to electric vehicles. We look forward to the Government’s response and will continue to lobby on the matter in the meantime.”