09/10/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/10/2021 04:18
Aviva research shows motorist attitudes towards electric vehicles is changing:
The coronavirus pandemic has driven a fundamental shift in motorists' attitudes towards driving and their choice of vehicle, according to research by Aviva.
The leading insurer has tracked UK motorists' attitudes towards electric vehicles (EVs) over a number of years and the appetite for more environmentally friendly models has grown considerably in the past 18 months.
In July 2017, an Aviva survey of UK drivers found that 10% expected to buy a hybrid model as their next vehicle and just 2% planned to buy a fully electric vehicle1. When a similar study was carried out in July 2020, the propensity to purchase a hybrid model had increased dramatically to 27%, with a further 11% saying their next car would be a fully electric vehicle2.
And over the last year, the desire for hybrid and electric vehicles has intensified further, with almost half of UK drivers (46%) saying their next vehicle will be at least partly powered by electricity. Aviva's latest research3 finds that one in three UK motorists (32%) intend to opt for a hybrid model as their next purchase, and 14% plan to buy a fully electric vehicle, also known as a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
Type of vehicle planned for next purchase |
2017 |
2020 |
2021 |
Petrol |
68% |
46% |
38% |
Diesel |
21% |
15% |
15% |
Hybrid |
10% |
27% |
32% |
Fully Electric |
2% |
11% |
14% |
The shift in consumer attitudes is borne out by August figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT), which show that new BEV registrations are up 107% year-to-date, and EV market share is 8.4%, up 71% over 20204.
What is influencing drivers' purchasing decisions?
The inclination towards electric and hybrid choices is perhaps unsurprising, particularly given that new diesel and petrol cars will be banned from 2030, with hybrids set to follow in 2035.
But Aviva's research suggests the Covid pandemic has had an impact, too. A third of motorists planning to buy a hybrid or electric model as their next vehicle say the Covid outbreak has had a bearing on their decision. Reasons appear to be both practical and environmental.
Amongst those planning to buy a hybrid or electric model for their next vehicle, one in five (18%) say they won't be driving as much in the future, while 6% say their household doesn't need as many cars, and so they plan to purchase a 'greener' model.
Moreover, 52% of UK adults say the global pandemic has made them more environmentally conscious. Correspondingly, 41% of people choosing an electric or hybrid vehicle, feel this is a better decision for the environment.
Not everyone is ready to go electric
But while the enthusiasm for electric vehicles is growing rapidly, not everyone is quite ready to make the jump. Amongst those who are planning to buy a petrol or diesel model for their next vehicle, there are a number of common concerns.
Of those who say they wouldn't consider an electric or hybrid vehicle yet, half (49%) say that both the cost of an electric vehicle and limited charging points are holding them back from choosing a hybrid or electric vehicle for their next motor purchase. This is followed by worries about the length of time taken to charge vehicles (37%) and limited range (37%).
Reason for not choosing a hybrid / electric vehicle for next motor purchase |
Percentage of drivers who said they wouldn't choose a hybrid / electric vehicle |
2020 |
2021 |
High purchase price |
49% |
46% |
38% |
Limited charging points |
49% |
15% |
15% |
Length of time to charge |
37% |
27% |
32% |
Limited range |
37% |
11% |
14% |
When compared to previous Aviva research, the number of people concerned by each of these reasons has fallen marginally over time. However, the numbers are still significant and it is apparent that millions of drivers are yet to be converted to hybrid / electric models.
Could financial incentives pave the way to 'greener' roads?
Aviva's research suggests that more people would be open to the idea of an electric vehicle if greater financial incentives were available. A fifth of drivers who plan to buy a hybrid / electric model as their next purchase say they want to take advantage of the Government grant available on low-emissions vehicles.
Significantly, two-thirds of all drivers say they would be more likely to buy an electric / hybrid vehicle if they were cheaper or subsidised.
Jon Marsh, Strategy & Transformation Director, Personal Lines, Aviva, said, 'Our research shows the appetite for electric and hybrid models is growing rapidly, but many motorists still have concerns and there is work to be done to convince everyone that the benefits outstrip any downsides.
'The pandemic and its resulting lockdowns have naturally affected how people use their vehicles and this is having an impact on people's purchasing decisions. There is no doubt that the demand for electric and hybrid vehicles has increased and will continue to do so as vehicle costs reduce and infrastructure improves, but it will be interesting to see whether the Covid pandemic speeds up the process as people rethink their mobility needs.'
Top 10 Tips for EV owners:
-ENDS-
Sources
1Data relates to a survey of 2,134 UK drivers conducted by Censuswide Research in April 2017.
2Data relates to a survey of 4,002 randomly selected UK adults aged 16 and upwards, carried out by Censuswide Research on behalf of Aviva between 10-17 July 2020.
3Data relates to a survey of 4,000 randomly selected UK adults aged 16 and upwards, carried out by Censuswide Research on behalf of Aviva between 10 - 15 February 2021.
4https://www.smmt.co.uk/2021/09/electrified-vehicle-demand-surges-in-small-volume-august/
Erik Nelson
Motor Insurance and Compensation Culture, Fraud and Data
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