One in five new car buyers ‘would be better off driving an electric vehicle’ – LeasePlan

76 per cent of UK motorists claim they would not opt for an electric vehicle – a vehicle that runs on electricity alone – because ‘long distance’ trips are not yet possible – according to research from LeasePlan UK – yet almost all (98 per cent) of drivers in Britain travel less than 100 miles each day, within the capability of most pure electric vehicles.

Despite motorists’ confusion on the technological advances of electric cars, the UK has experienced a record first quarter in 2016 for electric car registrations, with 10,496 ‘green’ cars sold.

Research from LeasePlan UK reveals Brits are becoming more conscientious about the environment, as encouragingly 45 per cent of drivers highlighted ‘good for the environment’ as the most important reason for choosing an electric vehicle, followed by recognising the tax benefits (20 per cent) and closely followed by liking the model and make (17 per cent).

Recognising that this type of vehicle has become a better proposition for both individuals and organisations over the last two-years, LeasePlan UK has created a webpage dedicated to explaining the ins-and-outs of all Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (ULEVs), which – in the eyes of the government -is any vehicle that produces less than 75g of CO2 for every kilometre it travels.

Lesley Slater, operations and business development director at LeasePlan UK, comments: “The benefits of ULEVs are now so compelling, that if individuals and businesses don’t consider them, they risk missing out on the benefits.

“It’s concerning to see that more than three-quarters of motorists would avoid opting for an electric vehicle because they believe they can’t cover ‘long distance’ trips. Many modern electric vehicles can cover over 100-miles on a single charge, with the latest Nissan Leaf being able to reach 150-160 miles per charge, for example.

“One of the biggest concerns we also know among motorists and businesses alike to date is that the infrastructure for electric vehicles hasn’t been reliable enough, but as of February 2016 nearly 4,000 UK locations have installed public charging points.”

According to research from Go Ultra Low, one-in-five new car buyers would be better off from driving a plug-in car and the number of electric vehicles on the road could rocket by 500,000 if motorists’ car-buying choices were more closely matched to their ownership preferences*.

Lesley Slater continues: “When it comes to choosing an electric vehicle, there are a variety of cost savings. Electricity costs a fraction of fossil fuels, pure electric vehicles are currently exempt from vehicle tax, there’s no bill for congestion charge and some towns and London boroughs are now charging premiums for diesel vehicles parking.

“For the fleet industry in particular, the day of the ULEV is dawning, whether it’s as a company car or a working van. Green vehicles can now play a role in helping businesses deliver on the expectations of both local and national governments, as well as helping organisations meet their own sustainability objectives.”