Most Brits struggle to switch to e-cars – these are the biggest reasons

THE vast majority of Brit drivers are struggling to make the change to an electric car, research has revealed.

With the ban on combustion engine cars coming in 2030, analysis shows that a sizeable 82 per cent of drivers face several barriers which prevent them from buying an electric vehicle (EV).

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The top barrier cited is charging point infrastructure with almost two-thirds – 62 per cent – saying that the reliability of chargers and the frequency of local chargers is an issue, according to a survey carried out for JustPark.

The top five barriers to EV ownership are:

1. Charging point infrastructure – 62%
2. Price point of an EV – 42%
3. Range anxiety – 23%
4. Lack of second hand options available on the market – 17%
5. General lack of education / knowledge – 13%

The findings come as the company launches a partnership with Visa to boost electric vehicle adoption in the UK.

As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, the survey found that 81 per cent of respondents were unaware that EVs are cheaper to run than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, due to reductions in tax, range and congestion charges.

Nearly half of those surveyed – 47 per cent – said they were either interested, or have already pursued alternative income streams due to the cost of living.

JustCharge, part of the JustPark group, is a community charging initiative which enables those with a private charger at their home or business to rent it out to other EV drivers via an app.

Not only does it create an income for the charger owner but also opens up thousands of available charging points to make EV ownership more viable.

Mike Strahlman, Director of EV at JustPark said: “We must collectively find solutions to help millions of British households support the UK’s transition to clean-air vehicles.

“While EV demand is growing dramatically, public charging infrastructure is falling significantly behind.

“JustCharge unlocks thousands of home chargers, infrastructure which already exists, and makes them available to the public.

“These chargers are not used 90 per cent of the time and can help make EV adoption a possibility for more than 50 per cent of British households without access to off-street parking.

“This partnership with JustCharge and Visa is a landmark moment in our efforts to redress the balance and make EV adoption an effortless, viable and cost-effective solution for millions more UK drivers.”

The initiative between JustCharge and Visa is currently offering rewards to encourage community charging with those listing their EV chargers getting a £50 voucher and those using the booking getting a 50 per cent discount when they pay by Visa.

The reward scheme runs until September 23, 2022.

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