A major new survey of more than 15,000 motorists by the AA has found that four in five drivers believe electric cars to be too expensive.

The wide-ranging research unearthed some of the key issues that the EV industry faces as we head towards the 2030 deadline where the sale of new petrol and diesel engines will be banned. The AA analysis demonstrates that there is a growing keenness to make the switch to electric, with 34 per cent saying that an electric car would suit their lifestyle, and that a similar number find the trip to the petrol station a chore, while 62 per cent like the idea of waking up to a full battery.

But the negatives are that just short of half of those questioned were less confident on driving an electric car, than a traditional combustion engine, and that 56 per cent were unwilling to part with their petrol powered car.

The top five worries about owning an electric car were revealed as:

81% say electric cars are too expensive
77% believe an EV won’t go as far on a single charge as a petrol/diesel car on a full tank
59% think charging an EV takes too long
56% are concerned the charging infrastructure is unreliable
51% worry about breaking down in an EV on a motorway

“After more than a century of the combustion engine leading the charge it is not surprising that some drivers are only just catching up with all things electric. We are here to help petrol heads become electric heads,” said AA president Edmund King.

Meanwhile Transport Minister Rachael Maclean said: As host of COP26, we want more people to feel empowered to make the switch to an electric vehicle. The release of today’s survey highlights the bumps in the road towards more people choosing an EV, and we know many want support from Government and wider industry to do so.

“That is why we’re investing up to £2.8 billion to drive the switch, creating a world-leading electric vehicle charging network that’s reliable for all and accelerating us towards a zero-emission future.”

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