Drivers are now four times more likely to buy an electric vehicle, says NFDA

If all drivers in the market were to make their next car purchase tomorrow, we could expect the proportion of hybrid and pure electric cars to quadruple, according to the latest NFDA Consumer Attitude Survey 2019.

The Consumer Attitude Survey was commissioned by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK, and executed by Public Knowledge, a leading market research agency. This is the seventh edition of the survey, which polled 2,000 consumers across the UK in a 15-minute online survey.

When participants were asked which car they would buy next, 60 per cent answered a petrol vehicle and only 16 per cent said they would purchase a diesel vehicle. Hybrid vehicles scored a significantly high proportion with 16 per cent of consumers expecting to buy a hybrid, which is four times the current ownership at 4 per cent. The 4 per cent of consumers intending to buy a pure electric car is also four times current ownership at 1 per cent.

Whilst the percentage of participants wanting to buy an electric vehicle is significantly higher than expected, the surveyed consumers still cite some concerns in relation to purchasing an electric vehicle. These concerns include access to charging points (which 53 per cent of consumers selected as an issue), battery range (51 per cent), and the cost of purchasing an electric vehicle (47 per cent). Among those who indicate charging is a barrier, 78 per cent agree that a lack of charging points in public places such as car parks in shopping centres is a reason this is a barrier.

Sue Robinson, NFDA director, said, “The survey demonstrates that consumer attitudes are shifting. Drivers are now four times more likely to buy an electric vehicle. This is beneficial for franchised dealers who are best placed to service the growing electric demand in the car market. Combined with the 75 per cent of new vehicles purchased at franchised dealerships, the dealers are likely to take market share in the near future, ensuring a consistent and reliable service to as many consumers as possible.”