Drivers turn backs on electric cars in blow to Rishi Sunak’s 2030 petrol ban

GB News guests debate using electric cars in 2022

More than half of motorists are still not sold over the transition to electric vehicles despite the clock ticking closer to Rishi Sunak’s petrol and diesel car ban.

The Prime Minister has called on manufacturers to end the sale of new combustion cars by 2030.

However, the plan could be under threat with millions of Britons still refusing to ditch their traditional models.

AutoTraders’ Road to 2030 report found just 47 percent of 4,000 drivers polled were willing to embrace electric cars.

The findings also revealed that concerns around affordability and charging stations were at the top of the agenda.

READ MORE Conservative MP attacks Rishi Sunak’s ‘unfair’ 2030 petrol and diesel car ban

A staggering 56 percent of drivers consider electric vehicles to be too expensive to purchase.

This included 49 percent of those who admit they are ready to buy an electric car, rising to 71 percent among those not prepared to make the switch.

Analysis found there were just nine electric cars available for under £3,000, down from 11 last December.

Ian Plummer, Director of AutoTrader warned drivers not prepared to move to EVs risk being “left behind”.

He explained: “Of increasing concern is consumer concerns around battery life in used EVs.

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“Largely driven by misinformation in the media, we now see that battery longevity is the number one barrier preventing consumers from considering an EV, with 61 percent needing to know that the battery will last before considering an EV as their next vehicle.

“Without actions to address these issues and ensure we make the transition to electric fair for all, we risk leaving a majority of drivers behind on the road to 2030.”

The report also highlights that a massive 47 percent are worried about a lack of charging facilities to regularly top-up their models.

Meanwhile, the average motorist believes they need to charge their cars every three days despite AutoTrader experts reassuring road users they only need to plug it in once a week.

Last week, Mr Plummer demanded more support was needed to ensure the fears were addressed.

He commented: “There is still much more work to be done to achieve a mass transition to electric vehicles before the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel models and ensure no driver is left behind.

“Support from the tax system to put the used EV market on a more robust footing is vital for the sustainability of the entire EV market and our chances of successfully transitioning to EVs by 2030.”

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