The UK’s four national EV associations have joined forces to conduct their widest-ranging survey of motorists’ opinions on the electric transition.
The groups hope to establish the clearest picture yet on driver attitudes towards EVs and are seeking input from drivers of EVs, hybrids, petrol and diesel vehicles.
The survey, which can be accessed here, is part of EVA England’s annual polling of drivers to gauge the mood around electric vehicles. This year, to help get deeper insight, it is also being shared by EVA Cymru, EVA Northern Ireland and EVA Scotland.
The four associations say that they will share the feedback – both positive and negative – with policymakers, industry stakeholders and the wider public to help inform future conversations around the UK’s shift to electric vehicles.
The survey comes during a tumultuous time for the EV industry. Sales and demand for new and used electric cars are at an all-time high but tax changes and a review of the current ZEV Mandate are creating uncertainty.
EVA England’s chief executive, Vicky Edmonds said it was a perfect opportunity for drivers to share what was going well, as well as what needs to be improved.
She commented: “We want to hear from every kind of driver: whether you love electric vehicles, are not sure about them, already drive one, are thinking about switching, or have no intention of doing so.
“Too often, decisions about the future of driving are made without hearing enough from the people actually using our roads every day. This survey is your chance to tell us what you really think about driving electric– what works, what doesn’t, what frustrates you and what needs to change.”
Last year’s EVA England survey found that 66% of petrol drivers were actively considering switching to an EV but also revealed frustrations around chargepoint accessibility, home charging for people without driveways and the high cost of public charging.
Neil Swanson, director of EVA Scotland, said: “Good policy has to start with what drivers are actually experiencing. From the cost and reliability of public charging to the practicalities of switching to electric, this survey is an important opportunity for drivers to say what is working – and what still needs to change.”
Mark McCall, co-founder and chair of the EV Association Northern Ireland, added: “The transition to electric will only succeed if it works for drivers in every part of the UK. We particularly want to hear from people who have not yet switched to an EV, so we can better understand the barriers holding drivers back and what would genuinely make a difference.”
