44% of drivers planning switch to low emissions – highest level to date
ZEV mandate confusion putting off some buyers from EVs
New research released today on the nation’s motor buying intentions reveals that the proportion of drivers owning electric vehicles (EVs) is set to more than double with just one switch of car. Currently 7% of drivers say their car is fully electric, but 18% of all drivers say the next car they buy will be an EV.1
In contrast, the research for Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, found that while 59% of drivers say they currently own a petrol-engined car, only 30% plan for their next car to run on petrol. Similarly, 17% of drivers have a diesel car, but only 6% of car buyers say they will opt for a diesel engine next time.
Just over two thirds (67%) of drivers have plans to change their vehicle. On average, they expect to do so in 22 months – with nearly a third (31%) planning to swap their car in the next 12 months.
Kwik Fit has been tracking drivers’ car buying intentions for the last six years. In 2020 33% of drivers switching their car planned to buy a low emissions vehicle (EV, hybrid or plug-in hybrid).2 In the company’s latest research the proportion is 44%, the highest figure seen in the annual data.
For the 8.9 million drivers who plan to change their car in the next year the figure is even higher. Of these, 54% say they will be opting for a low emissions car, with over a quarter (27%) going fully electric.
Range anxiety still top barrier – but reducing
Kwik Fit’s annual research looks at the reasons why drivers are not yet considering buying an EV. In previous years the most commonly cited factor has been a restriction on range. This is again the top concern; however, the level of worry is falling. 35% of drivers mentioned range in this year’s research, compared to 41% in 2023.3
This year, the second most stated concern by drivers (35%) is that they would not be able to charge an EV at home. This is up from sixth most common factor last year, perhaps suggesting that increasing numbers of drivers are more seriously considering the practicalities of whether an EV could fit into their own circumstances.
ZEV mandate consultation causing some EV buyers to pause
The research for Kwik Fit has found that that uncertainty over the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate is already having an impact on some drivers’ buying intentions. The mandate currently requires that 80% of new car sales must be zero-emission by 2030 and 100% of all new car and van sales must be zero-emission by 2035. The government is currently consulting on the phasing of the mandate.
30% of drivers planning to buy an EV next say that the decision to consult on relaxing the mandate has made them less likely to opt for an EV as their next car. The uncertainty is even having an impact on some drivers who have already switched – 25% of EV owners questioned said the consultation has made it less likely that their next car will be an EV.
Overall, drivers are broadly split over whether the government should stick to the ZEV Mandate, with 36% agreeing that they should and 29% disagreeing. However, for current EV drivers there is a marked difference, with 56% saying the current schedule should be kept and only 15% disagreeing.
Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit, says: “This research shows how quickly the make up of the UK car parc could change as people buy their next vehicle. Over the last six years Kwik Fit’s research has shown a consistent rise in the number of drivers planning to switch to an EV or hybrid. It’s really interesting that more than a quarter of those planning to buy a car in the next year intend to go fully electric.
“It is vital that the ZEV Mandate phasing treads the right balance between encouraging the transition to low emissions and the practicalities vehicle manufacturers face. However, it’s notable that any potential changes have a clear risk of creating uncertainty among drivers.
“Whatever the powertrain choice of an individual driver we know that UK roads will contain a wide mix for the foreseeable future and all those drivers need to be supported. At Kwik Fit we put major investment into training our staff to work on all types of vehicles. This way, we ensure that whatever fuel powers a car, we can help keep it running as efficiently and as safely as possible.”
Kwik Fit services all types of vehicle and has one of the country’s largest networks of EV trained auto technicians. Drivers can find the full range of services offered at their nearest Kwik Fit centre by visiting kwik-fit.com
