Bridgestone Poll Suggests UK Drivers are Sceptical about Eco-Friendly Cars

In a recent online poll conducted on behalf of Bridgestone to coincide with the company’s 2010 Eco Rally, almost a quarter of people (23 per cent) in the UK would not consider buying or driving an eco-friendly vehicle. Of that number, more than four in ten (42 per cent) believe electric or hydrogen-powered cars and motorbikes would be a hassle to fill up or charge. The 2010 Bridgestone Eco Rally takes place on Wednesday, 7 July and showcases the latest in low and zero emission vehicle technology in a convoy from Brighton – which contains the first UK constituency to elect an MP from the Green Party – to London’s Hyde Park.

Sustainable transport is widely thought to have a huge role to play in combating climate change, but the survey reveals people in the city are reluctant to make the switch. For example, 37 per cent of this group believe low or zero emission vehicles would be too expensive to buy and 17 per cent think they would be too expensive to run. Another concern for almost a third (32 per cent) of these people in the UK is whether such a car or motorbike would be as powerful as a standard vehicle. The organisers of the Bridgestone Eco Rally hope to allay these fears; it is the UK’s largest sustainable transport exhibition and is free to attend at the Royal Albert Memorial.

TV motoring journalist, Quentin Willson has driven in the last three Eco Rallies: “These stats prove that there is a lot of confusion and myth about green cars, particularly about range, cost and performance. The biggest challenge is getting people to drive these cars. Once they do, all doubts evaporate.

“However, huge strides are being made in this area and we are keen to demonstrate at the Bridgestone Eco Rally that sustainable motoring really has hit the mainstream. For motorists who want cheaper fuel and energy choices this is only event in the world that showcases just how clever, usable and desirable green cars have become.”

Now in its fourth year, the Eco Rally will feature stars from Formula One supporting the event, including Ross Brawn, Eddie Irvine, Nico Hulkenburg and Patrick Head courtesy of Bridgestone, the official tyre supplier to the support. Over the years, the event has attracted support from celebrities and some of the most important names in the motoring industry, who have entered revolutionary vehicles into exhibition. Major manufacturers supporting this year’s event include BMW, Ford, Tesla, TH!NK, MINI and Honda, who will be showcasing their new CR-Z – the world’s first sporty hybrid.