Have energy prices put you off switching to electric vehicle? POLL

More than 70 percent of motorists have been deterred from having an electric vehicle (EV) due to spiralling energy prices, according to research by The AA. So has the cost of living influenced your decision on making the switch? Vote in our poll.

The British motoring association survey of more than 12,500 motorists in September revealed that a rise in energy bills was the main reason preventing drivers from making the switch for 10 percent.

A further 63 percent of the 12,545 drivers asked said that the cost of electricity has made them “more reluctant” to own a battery-powered car, but this is not the main reason for sticking with their current vehicle.

In a statement following the publication of the survey results on Tuesday, November 1, the AA said: “More than 70 percent of drivers, who will eventually have to switch to zero-emission vehicles after the 2030 sales ban on new fossil-fuelled cars, have been so shocked by the surge in electricity prices that it has tainted their view of EVs.”

Some 24 percent of those surveyed said they have not been put off going electric by the energy price hike. The AA claims that EVs are more affordable in the long run than petrol and diesel vehicles due to home charging and lower servicing costs. 

READ MORE: Majority of drivers put off electric cars by rising energy prices

The president of the AA, Edmund King, said he believed that many drivers were left in doubt by the energy price shocks and will now wait to consider EVs when energy markets settle down again.

In a speech planned for the Highways UK conference in Birmingham on Wednesday, November 2, he is expected to say: “There are almost half a million full EVs on the roads in the UK with more models coming to market each month. However, the cost of living and higher electricity costs are deterring almost three-quarters of drivers from making the switch now.

 “For some drivers, it is a big psychological and practical leap from tried and trusted petrol or diesel cars to full electric models. However, after making that leap drivers will not go back, and the switch ultimately will lead to lower running costs and less damage to the environment.

“The AA is here to help drivers make that switch from learning to drive in EVs, through fixing, repairing, leasing, and servicing EVs.”

In response to the data, Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at consumer watchdog Which?, said more needs to be done to help drivers make the transition to EVs.

She said: “Many consumers want to make the switch to electric vehicles, but the cost of living crisis and rising energy bills are adding huge pressure to household budgets.

“Which? found that the upfront cost of buying an EV is a major barrier preventing drivers from considering one – and rising running costs could further prevent people from making the switch.  

“However, our research shows that for people who can charge at home, electric cars are cheaper to run than petrol and diesel equivalents.”

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The sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be banned in the UK from 2030, meaning drivers do not have long until they will be forced to opt for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that the sales of pure electric cars have slowed in recent months.

The number of registrations during the first three months of the year was 102 percent more than in the same period in 2021 but at the end of September, the year-to-date increase had fallen to 40.3 per cent.

So how about YOU? Have rising energy prices put you off switching to an electric vehicle? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.