More than a third of UK households say the Covid-19 pandemic has caused them to consider owning fewer vehicles, according to new research.

A study of 2,000 UK households by DS Automobiles found that 36 per cent of those with access to more than one car, say the pandemic has caused them to consider downsizing their fleet. A further 23 per cent state they now have less need for multiple cars than before the pandemic. According to the Department for Transport, 35% of all households in the UK own two or more cars or vans*.

DS Automobiles also found 32% of households would consider becoming a single vehicle household if they could have frequent access to a second car when required. For many households, their second car is far less used, with DS’s research finding that even before the global Covid-19 pandemic, 29% of households would not drive their second or third vehicle for 2-3 weeks at a time.

Another consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic is an increase in remote working, with DS’s research revealing 27% of respondents believe they will continue to work from home 3-5 days per week, even after the stay-at-home rules lift, further reducing the need for a second vehicle in the future.

Access to a second vehicle on demand was also found to help increase electric vehicle uptake, with the research finding 43% of respondents stating they would be more inclined to buy an electric car if they knew they had access to a petrol or diesel model to tackle longer journeys.

With 41% of UK households owning just one vehicle, access to a second car on-demand will also help existing single-car households who may require a second vehicle from time to time.

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