Electric vehicles becoming ‘normalised’ as half of drivers know someone who owns one, new IPPR research finds
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Half of all drivers now know someone who owns an EV, or own one
themselves, and 55 per cent feel positive about them, according to
new research which suggests electric vehicles are increasingly
looked on as normal. The same research and analysis
found that those who are less enthusiastic about EVs are driven
mainly by practical concerns – including fears about cost and
convenience – rather than by any underlying ‘culture war' issues.
It suggests that...Request free trial
Half of all drivers now know someone who owns an EV, or own one themselves, and 55 per cent feel positive about them, according to new research which suggests electric vehicles are increasingly looked on as normal. The same research and analysis found that those who are less enthusiastic about EVs are driven mainly by practical concerns – including fears about cost and convenience – rather than by any underlying ‘culture war' issues. It suggests that policies to address those concerns would be likely to prove effective at overcoming obstacles to even wider EV ownership and use. The widespread and growing social acceptance of EVs, despite continued misgivings, is revealed in large-scale polling combined with in-depth message testing commissioned by Persuasion UK and IPPR, published today. Although actual ownership of EVs remains low, 49 per cent of drivers either drive one themself or have family or friends who do so. The research, published during the government's consultation with the automotive industry over phasing-out of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, provides the most detailed and up-to-date analysis of public opinion towards EVs so far, finding significant but still fragile public support. The research involved baseline polling of 4,000 people and randomised message testing of nearly 6,500 people by YouGov, with analysis by Persuasion UK and IPPR. Among its other findings:
The findings support some of the key practical proposals put forward by IPPR as part of the government's consultation, including calls to:
The research also suggests that more potential EV drivers would be encouraged to make the switch by emphasising increasing levels of take up and the steps being taken by the government to tackle issues of charging and cost, while also reminding them of the benefits to the environment and UK energy independence. Sam Alvis, IPPR associate director for environment, energy security and nature, said: “If government is looking for ways to improve people's lives in ways they themselves want to see, there are few better places to start than transport. We know the public wants it to be cheaper and easier to get around, and that people see EVs as a positive step they can take towards energy security. “Government needs to help them in taking that step by sorting out off-putting problems with charging, and making it easier for a wider range of people to buy an EV.” Steve Akehurst of Persuasion UK said: “This research shows that EVs are becoming increasingly normalised across the UK but that it would be a mistake for the government to assume that there is nothing more to do. To avoid a backlash the government must minimise the cost and inconvenience of EVs while persuading the public that switching is necessary to protect the environment and create energy independence.” NOTES TO EDITORS
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