Poll – Should incentives be used to boost uptake of electric cars

Motoring experts have called upon the Government to introduce incentives, including tax breaks, to improve the affordability and appeal of electric vehicles (EVs).

Auto Trader has said the Government needs to announce a “detailed programme of tax incentives” to boost the uptake of EVs.

A new report by the motoring site found that tax breaks on Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) are needed to ensure there is a sufficient shift to EVs before the 2030 petrol and diesel vehicle sales ban comes into force.

The average price of a new EV is around 37 percent more expensive than petrol and diesel equivalents, with a new electric SUV costing £22,290 more.

The Road to 2030 report shows that the lower fuel prices and higher energy bills are putting some Britons off switching to a cleaner vehicle.

READ MORE: Electric cars ‘lose value at twice the rate of petrol vehicles’

Commercial director of Auto Trader Ian Plummer said that the UK was in danger of “veering off-track” in meeting the 2030 petrol and diesel engine sales ban and called for a rejuvenated tax system to incentivise drivers to switch to an EV.

He said: “These are difficult times for the UK’s electric ambitions…and we’re in danger of veering off-track. Although used electric demand remains buoyant, the wider EV market is in a precarious position.

“To avoid more than just a small pothole on the road to 2030, more information, more incentives, and more equality is urgently required.”

From 2025 EVs will be subject to VED, which risks impeding ownership. Auto Trade has said a  series of tax breaks would help boost the adoption of EVs and is something that other European countries have introduced to stimulate demand.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said that without financial assistance many Britons may keep older petrol and diesel vehicles for longer.

He said: “The fact around a third more electric cars in the UK are registered to businesses than to private individuals, with growth of the former outpacing the latter, shows just how much of an incentive the low company car tax rate has proved to be.

“It’s a shame the Government isn’t looking at introducing a grant to help stimulate the cheaper end of the EV market to help drivers who don’t have company cars get into EVs.”

So what do YOU think? Should Government introduce incentives to boost uptake of EVs? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.