Nearly half of UK consumers (46%) would like help directly from car dealerships with installing a home charger as part of their switch to electric vehicles.
March’s Startline Used Car Tracker of 302 consumers show that a further 46% would like to be taught by dealers how to maximise the life of the battery and 30% would like training on how to use the main features in their EV.
Finally, 29% would like further education on how to drive their electric car efficiently and 14% want information on which features – such as heating – potentially use the most power.
Paul Burgess, Startline Motor Finance chief executive, said: “Switching from a petrol or diesel car to an electric one is a big change for most people, and this research indicates they are nervous about the prospect and looking for support.
“They want to know that they’ll be able to charge at home, help to operate public charging and just simply how to use their new electric car – and they would like the dealer selling the vehicle to provide all of this.
“Some dealers are aware of this desire among customers and can provide some or all of these services as part of a comprehensive electric car buying experience.
“However, they are probably in the minority and more could or should be done by car retailers.”
Used EVs hitting price parity with petrol
This month’s Startline Used Car Tracker also asked motorists about electric car pricing, prompted by a recent report showing that the average price difference between petrol and electric cars has fallen from 51% to 18% in the last six years.
Results showed a wide spread of opinion, with 18% saying they would consider an electric car if it was priced the same as petrol, 18% willing to pay 10% more, and 17% to pay 20% more.
Also, 14% said an electric car would have to be cheaper than petrol before they bought one.
Burgess said: “On the used market, many electric models are moving towards or have hit price parity with petrol, so most of the people surveyed should not find the price a barrier to purchasing.
“Interestingly, only 7% of the motorists we spoke to said they would never buy an electric car, showing how resistance to the technology is now very low.”