One in two drivers would consider buying an alternatively fuelled vehicle
Major barriers to purchase decision are cost and battery range
Greener cars may be on the point of becoming more common on Britain’s roads as almost half of drivers (49%) would consider buying an alternatively fuelled vehicle while a quarter (25%) say they are likely to purchase one in the next five years.
A survey of 1,400 motorists conducted by the RAC also found that for nearly a third (31%) the small range of battery-powered electric vehicles is hindering adoption and that cost is the main barrier for a quarter (24%).
In terms of which low-carbon technology will prove the most popular, 25% of motorists felt low-emission petrol or diesel internal combustion engine cars would dominate, with hybrid electric following behind on 17%. Pure electric took 10% of the vote and hydrogen-powered 8%.
The RAC findings around the willingness to purchase greener vehicles support sales figures of alternatively fuelled, low-carbon cars and light commercial vehicles which increased in the UK in 2012**.
However, the research also shows there is a lack of awareness of the Government incentive scheme designed to offset the cost of purchase. Awareness of the Government’s Plug-In Car Grant which is designed to help with the cost of buying new electric, plug-in hybrid electric, hydrogen fuel cell cars or vans, was very low with 75% of those surveyed completely unaware of its existence.
RAC technical director David Bizley said: “Schemes such as the Government’s Plug-In Car Grant are great incentives to encourage consumers to consider greener vehicles but it is clear that awareness remains relatively low and opinions on alternatively fuelled vehicles are still mixed. The car is an essential part of everyday life in Britain so it is vital that its future is safeguarded by adopting the new low-carbon alternatives as they become available and affordable. In order for this to happen, consumers’ perceptions of low-carbon vehicles must be changed.
“Manufacturers are working hard to give motorists greater choice of well-engineered, low-carbon vehicles to fit their lifestyle but our research has shown the price of these is clearly inhibiting sales.
“With the cost of motoring topping the list of concerns in the RAC Report on Motoring 2012, there are clearly savings in running costs to be had from making the switch to a lower carbon vehicle. However, motorists still have to be persuaded of the overall benefits of alternative fuels. Hopefully the efforts of manufacturers, the Government and, indeed motoring organisations, will eventually lead to ultra-low-carbon vehicles being the first choice for the vast majority of motorists.
The RAC is raising awareness and encouraging adoption of low-carbon vehicles through its sponsorship of the Royal Automobile Club’s Future Car Challenge. The initiative is a motoring challenge open to electric, hybrid, hydrogen and fuel-efficient traditionally powered vehicles, during which entrants aim to use the lowest amount of energy on a 63-mile route from Brighton to London. For more information, please visit http://www.futurecarchallenge.com/
