AA report claims increasing energy bills are putting drivers off EVs

Rising energy bills have put more than 70 per cent of drivers off making the switch to an EV, research from the AA has revealed.

A new survey commissioned by the AA found that 63 per cent of the 12,500 motorists that took part in the poll said the cost of electricity had made them more reluctant to buy an EV.

However, 24 per cent of participants said they had not been put off from switching to an electric vehicle, whilst three per cent already owned an EV.

In a speech at the Highways UK conference in Birmingham later this week, AA president Edmund King is expected to say: “Today, there are almost half a million full EVs on the roads in the UK, with more models coming to market each month.

“However, the cost of living and higher electricity costs are deterring almost three-quarters of drivers from making the switch now.

“For some drivers, it is a big psychological and practical leap from tried-and-trusted petrol or diesel cars to full electric models.

“However, after making that leap, drivers will not go back, and the switch ultimately will lead to lower running costs and less damage to the environment.”

Sue Davies, Which? Head of Consumer Protection Policy, responded to the comments by saying: “Many consumers want to make the switch to electric vehicles, but the cost of living crisis and rising energy bills are adding huge pressure to household budgets.

“Which? found that the upfront cost of buying an EV is a major barrier preventing drivers from considering one – and rising running costs could further prevent people from making the switch. However, our research shows that for people who can charge at home, electric cars are cheaper to run than petrol and diesel equivalents.

“This won’t be an option for everyone, so it’s important that governments work with industry to develop and support solutions to enable people without off-street parking to charge at a comparable rate to home charging.”