2030 ban delay: Car buyers oppose as majority refuse electric

author: FutureCar Staff    

According to a new study by Auto Trader, the number of people claiming they will never buy an electric vehicle (EV) has nearly doubled following the government's recent U-turn on the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars. Out of the 1,700 car buyers surveyed, 37% said they were unlikely to ever purchase an EV. This figure is almost double the 21% who expressed the same sentiment when the ban was initially announced two years ago.

On the other hand, the study also found that 39% of respondents plan to buy an EV by the time the ban is implemented, which is a 10% drop compared to 2021. Auto Trader also discovered that the change in approach by the government has confused buyers about its stance on electric cars. A significant 70% of respondents were unaware that the policy only applies to new cars and not used ones.

Ian Plummer, the commercial director of Auto Trader, commented on the findings, stating that the government's U-turn has created confusion and led to a doubling of the number of people who say they will never buy an electric car. Plummer believes that the government's decision to push back the ban to 2035 is unhelpful and spreads doubt and negativity. However, he emphasizes that regardless of the ban's date, the industry remains committed to delivering an electric future.

Another study by eBay Motors Group supports Auto Trader's findings. The study revealed that only 16% of all buyers are currently planning to purchase an EV. Additionally, 40% of those planning to buy an EV within the next six months have changed their minds. Out of the 2,004 used car buyers surveyed, 29% remained undecided about going electric.

Lucy Tugby, the marketing director of eBay Motors Group, expressed concern over the negative impact of the government's decision to move the ban from 2030 to 2035. She noted that two in five buyers are now unlikely to proceed with their EV purchase and some are even reverting back to petrol and diesel options. Tugby also highlighted a decline in EV consideration among buyers both before and after the announcement, suggesting that the shifting date has had a limited impact on purchasing decisions.

In a separate poll conducted by Regit, 59% of 4,000 respondents expressed skepticism about the cleanliness of electric vehicles. Additionally, 50% believed that investment should prioritize alternative fuels. The poll also revealed that 80% of respondents supported the government's decision to postpone the 2030 ban.

Chris Green, the CEO and founder of Regit, criticized the government's handling of the ban, attributing the decision to years of mismanagement and poor planning. Green argued that the cost of switching to electric vehicles is too high for many people, especially considering the lack of financial support from the government. He also mentioned concerns about infrastructure issues. Green suggested that hybrids could play a significant role in the transition to cleaner vehicles, and he emphasized the need to make cleaner vehicles accessible to as many people as possible within their means.

Overall, the studies and polls indicate that the government's U-turn and the delay in the ban on petrol and diesel cars have caused confusion among car buyers and led to a decline in EV consideration. While there is still commitment from the industry towards an electric future, there are concerns about consumer confidence and the viability of alternative fuels as a solution.

FutureCar Staff