EV buyers trust industry over government

Car buyers trust the industry more than the government when it comes to advice about electric vehicles.

According to Venson Automotive Solutions, just two per cent say the government is their go-to information source.

Instead, the Venson survey showed that buyers favour independent advice from consumer motoring titles offering reviews by unbiased experts (58% use these sites). Manufacturers came in second with 44% of respondents seeking information here, followed by 31% of people seeking information and advice from friends and family who already driven an EV.

The survey also revealed that the recent increase in EV appetite has been driven by a desire to reduce emissions (for 47% of respondents), but confidence in the practicalities of ownership remains low. Just nine per cent of women feel more confident in owning and maintaining an EV, and 18% of men.

The transport secretary stated that the car industry has been hit severely during the current crisis, but said it is encouraging to see that April’s car sales reported, for the first time, the two most popular models were both electric.

He confirmed a doubling of the funds available for the on-street residential chargepoint scheme, with an additional £10m now being made available, to encourage more drivers to switch to electric as cars will remain vital for many families.

Alison Bell, marketing director at Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “It is encouraging to see the government making such an important financial injection to rekindle growth in the motor industry and boost EV take-up at the same time.

“As we take tentative steps out of lockdown restrictions, the industry needs to collaborate to ensure consumers – be they private or company car drivers – have the confidence they need to make the switch and become EV drivers. Independent experts clearly have a big role to play in driving change and supporting manufacturers, as do those friends and family who have already made the transition to electric.”