News Published on : 01-Nov-2021 17:01:17

According to recent Quotezone research almost half of motorists - 44% - currently using petrol or diesel say it could be up to 10 years before they are likely or very likely to switch to an electric car. The Office for National Statistics figures show reveal that 29% are fairly or very unlikely to buy an electric car within the next 10 years. The figures continue to reflect the slow move to greener motoring with only 3% of car owners saying they will make the switch to electric in the next 12 months and 11% within 1-2 years. Of those planning to buy a new car in the next year 16% intend to buy a hybrid 8% an electric 7% diesel and 41% aim to stick with petrol. Currently only 2% of cars are hybrid and 3% are electric in the UK. 70% of motorists identify cost as the primary factor holding them back from moving to electric followed by lack of charging infrastructure (52%) and reliability (18%). The latest government research comes amidst a backdrop of initiatives to encourage motorists to switch to hybrid or electric. This week saw the launch of London s new ultra-low emission zone and many other cities such as Coventry Birmingham and Manchester are also taking measures to cut down pollution with levies on petrol and diesel vehicles and scrappage schemes. The government has also been increasing investment in charging points including grants for motorists as well as tax relief - in preparation for the ban on selling new petrol and diesel vehicles which comes into effect in 2030.