Call for action over electric car prices

More drivers than ever plan to ‘go electric’ when they next change their cars – but the cost remains a significant barrier, according to a leadiung motoring organisation.

More financial help and a commitment to local charge points top would-be electric car drivers’ wish list, according to a survey by the RAC.

Its study found that 78% of drivers think pure electric cars are too expensive, compared to conventional vehicles of a similar size, although a steadily increasing proportion are planning to choose one when they next change their car.

Nine per cent of the 3,000 respondents said they intended to ‘go electric’ next time around – up from 6% in 2019 and 3% a year earlier – but say the vehicles remain out of their price ranges, and that the Government should provide more financial help.

More than half of drivers (53%) said they would like to see VAT on zero-emission vehicles either cut or abolished entirely, with (48%) favouring a scrappage scheme to make switching from a conventionally powered model affordable. Motorists also want to know they can charge these vehicles up easily when they are away from home, with (43%) saying they want the Government to set a binding national target for access to public chargepoints.

RAC data insight spokesman Rod Dennis said: “With 2030 now clearly set as the date for the end of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans, momentum for getting more of us into electric vehicles is building.

“But the single biggest barrier has to be cost.”