Around 42% of the UK’s car owners will choose to buy an electric vehicle (EV) as their next car, according to the results of a new survey.
The study, published by used-car buying service ChooseMyCar.com, asked 2,000 motorists whether recent fluctuations in fuel costs and shortages had affected their buying habits. Despite the higher buying costs of an EV, and less availability of the powertrain as a second-hand model due to the recent expansion of the new-car market, it seems the current cost-of-living crisis is pushing people to electrified technology.
The results also show that men were more likely to buy an EV than women, with 46% of males stating that their next vehicle would definitely be electric, and 38% of females.
Demographics matter
Age of driver also affected the results, with a sharp increase in plans for an EV in the younger demographic. UK drivers in the 18-34 year old age group felt most strongly about buying an EV, with 66% saying they would definitely make their next vehicle electric, while in the 35-54 year age group, 49% stated that an EV was their next car purchase. In the 55 age group, only 20% said they would be purchasing an EV.
London drivers were the most likely to buy an EV next, with 60% saying that would be their next vehicle purchase. This was followed by Brighton, with 48%, Edinburgh with 44%, and Birmingham and Liverpool with 43%
Bristol and Plymouth were the cities least likely to buy an EV next, with just 15% saying they would buy electric next
“We have been doing a lot of research on how UK drivers have been affected by recent events, and the younger age group appears to have been the one that has found it hardest to manage the spiralling prices,” stated Founder of ChooseMyCar.com, Nick Zapolski. “While EVs are obviously a good choice for many, with the starting price still being close to five figures, many will struggle to afford a new EV and the second hand market is still very limited.
“It seems very unfair that the very people that need EVs the most, and who have the strongest desire for one, might be priced out of the market for one.”
