Four in 10 want to buy electric car, survey finds

THE number of drivers determined to buy an electric car is soaring, according to research that also highlights consumers’ willingness to pay extra for them.

The proportion of car buyers who want to buy zeroemission models has risen by 16 percentage points since November 2020, according to the latest Mobility Consumer Index by consultancy EY. The survey of more than 1,000 UK and 9,000 global consumers found that 41pc of those looking to buy a car said they wanted a zeroemissions model. Of that group, just over 70pc plan to buy in the next 12 months.

More than nine in 10 wanting an electric car say they are willing to pay a premium as the running costs and environmental impact will both be lower.

Charlie Simpson, Ey-parthenon partner, said this willingness “would be a fundamental shift in customer attitudes ... and one that will be critical if emissions targets are to be achieved”.

However, the survey warned that the upfront cost of EVS remain a key drawback for many drivers.

The sales of new petrol and diesel cars are set to be banned in 2030.

More than 85,000 batterypowered electric vehicles have been sold in the UK this year, a 117pc increase from 2020, boosting their market share to 8.2pc.

Meanwhile, diesel sales have fallen by almost a third to 101,870, with their market share down to 9.9pc.

Separate research this month from consumer group Which? stressed that electric cars are cheaper in the long run, although it can take years to recoup the upfront cost.