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Results of a new survey of electric vehicle (EV) drivers are strong evidence of a continuing shift in consumer attitudes towards EVs.
Not only do they show that those who plump for electric in the new year won’t regret it, but they also suggest that EV drivers are increasingly confident about driving long distances.
The national poll from Zap-Map, the (EV) charging app, poll has revealed that more than 90% of drivers are extremely happy with their EV and would not want to replace it with a petrol or diesel car.
The data highlights the positive impact of EVs on drivers who have benefited from a great driving experience, low running costs and low emissions. Less than 1% wanted a return to a petrol or diesel vehicle.
Tellingly, the results are remarkably similar to those of last year’s Zap-Map survey, indicating that this year’s influx of new EV drivers are as pleased with their decision to make the switch to electric as their 2020 counterparts.
Many of the respondents to the survey were first-time EV drivers. More than 48% of respondents said that their current vehicle was their first EV, with 28% making the purchase in 2020.
In parallel, driver satisfaction was notably higher for both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with EV drivers reporting a satisfaction score of 91 out of 100 (battery-electric 92, plug-in hybrid 84), compared with only 74 for petrol or diesel vehicle ownership.
This year, for the first time, drivers were also asked about the furthest distance they have travelled in an EV in a single journey.
The majority of the respondents (53%) said they have driven more than 200 miles in their EV in a single trip.
The figure shows that drivers are habitually using their EVs on longer trips, and should put to bed concerns over the range of EVs – at least for the average driver, given that the average car journey in the UK was just 8.4 miles in 2019.
Almost a quarter of respondents (24%) said they have driven more than 300 miles in one trip – with over 7% doing the long haul and driving more than 500 miles in a single journey.
For around 31%, between 101 and 200 miles was their longest trip in an EV, while for 15% it was less than 100 miles.
‘These survey results show that drivers are becoming increasingly confident in making the switch to electric vehicles and I hope this data encourages others to consider going electric as we work towards the UK’s ambitious net-zero targets.
‘We’ve committed £2.5bn to accelerate the rollout of zero emission vehicles and charging infrastructure across the country, ensuring the transition is as simple as possible for motorists, as we take steps towards a greener transport future.’
TRUDY HARRISON
Transport Minister
The results of Zap-Map’s poll come at a time of record-breaking sales for the EV industry.
The latest figures show that sales of battery-electric vehicles accounted for almost 19% of all new car sales in November, a growth of 110% compared with November 2020 when the figure was 9%.
‘As we move from the early adopters into mass EV adoption, the evidence in favour of electric vehicles grows more compelling every year.
‘The findings of this latest poll certainly give prospective EV buyers something to think about in 2022. For the second year running we’ve seen that those who make the switch to electric simply don’t look back. It’s also clear from the distances EV drivers have travelled that concerns over range and other historical challenges of owning and running an EV are increasingly a thing of the past.
‘As the EV market continues to grow, alongside the charging infrastructure that supports it, Zap-Map’s focus is on making the EV charging experience simple, by providing the ability to search, plan and pay all in one app.’
MELANIE SHUFFLEBOTHAM
Co-founder & COO at Zap-Map
The poll – which was carried out in November 2021 and gained more than 3,000 responses from Zap-Map’s engaged community of EV drivers – is part of the company’s annual EV charging survey, the most established and comprehensive survey of EV drivers in the UK.
The survey provides strong evidence of a high level of satisfaction for EVs, with those making the switch to electric clearly not regretting their decision.
The only question remaining is whether you’ll be one of those EV drivers next year.
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