A bid to dispel myths around electric vehicles (EVs) will offer data-driven insights to address common misconceptions that have impacted consumer confidence.
Developed by Auto Trader, ChargeUK and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and supported by the Department for Transport, the online resource on Auto Trader’s website will be regularly revised to provide up-to-date information.
Future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Zero emission vehicles will drive our journey to net zero, which is why this Government is committed to accelerating the transition. Ensuring consumers have clear, accurate information when deciding what kind of car to buy is essential. This work by industry is absolutely vital to boosting drivers’ confidence in zero emission vehicles, and I’m pleased to back it.”
Following a House of Lords report calling for a “go-to” source of reliable information on EVs, Auto Trader’s April research revealed significant gaps between perception and reality.
Its findings showed that 72% of consumers were aware of the false narrative that EVs are prone to fires, with 44% believing it to be true. Additionally, 70% of consumers had heard that EVs are not cost-effective, with 33% mistakenly agreeing, which has discouraged some from considering EVs.
Retailers echo these sentiments, with only 35% stocking EVs, showing a halt in growth after a substantial increase in 2022. A significant 46% of retailers also cited consumer doubts as a barrier to adoption.
Even so, 83% of current EV owners reported they would choose electric again, indicating high satisfaction among users.
Erin Baker, editorial director at Auto Trader, commented: “Electrification is a significant change and with change comes uncertainty and confusion and that’s why we’re trying to help share more balanced and fact-based narratives with both retailers and consumers to give everyone confidence to navigate their electric journey.
“Often this comes down to the fear of the unknown and this is clear when consumers tell us how much they love their electric cars. We’d encourage anyone unsure about electric vehicles to do their own research with unbiased, fact-based content – or better yet, why not find an electric car driver and chat to them. And if you haven’t driven one yet – do it, they are really changing the car game.”
