JudgeService poll reveals Autumn Budget eroded EV buying confidence

JudgeService reveals that the Autumn Budget dampened consumer confidence in buying electric vehicles (EVs), with nearly half (46%) of car buyers expressing less confidence in making the switch.

Although the budget included a lower Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for zero-emission vehicles, only 23% of respondents felt more confident about purchasing an EV.

Interest in hybrid vehicles showed similar trends, with 42% of respondents now feeling less inclined to buy one, while 23% reported increased confidence.

The Budget commitment of over £200 million to accelerate EV charge point rollout left many buyers sceptical about infrastructure readiness, with 46% doubting that a sufficient national charging network will be in place by 2030.

Only 24% were optimistic about the progress.

The pledge of an additional £500 million to repair potholes also failed to boost confidence, with 45% of respondents doubting that road repairs will speed up, and only 26% expecting improvements.

Overall, 42% of those polled felt the Budget has not improved their financial situation, while only 18% believed it has.

JudgeService managing director Neil Addley commenting on the missed opportunity, said: “The Autumn Budget presented a golden opportunity to accelerate EV uptake… but our poll shows that lower VED rates and investments in charging infrastructure aren’t enough to drive retail buyers to make the EV switch.”