More drivers plan to choose an EV or hybrid for their next car, but uncertainty over the ZEV mandate is affecting some buying intentions.
Research commissioned by Kwik Fit found that 44% of drivers planning to change their car intend to choose an electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid model, up from 33% in 2020.
The figure is the highest recorded in the company’s annual research over the past six years.
Among drivers expecting to change their car within the next 12 months, 54% intend to choose one of these powertrains, including 27% planning to buy a fully electric vehicle.
However, 30% of those planning to buy an EV next said consultation on relaxing the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate had made them less likely to do so.
Petrol and diesel buying intentions decline
Across all drivers surveyed, 18% said their next car would be fully electric, compared with 7% who currently drive an EV.
While 59% currently own a petrol car, 30% intend to choose petrol for their next vehicle. Diesel ownership stands at 17%, with 6% planning to choose another diesel.
Overall, 67% of drivers have plans to change their vehicle. The average expected timeframe is 22 months, with 31% planning a change within the next year.
These figures reflect stated buying intentions rather than confirmed purchases.
Range and the inability to charge at home were each cited by 35% of drivers as reasons for not considering an EV.
Concern about range has fallen from 41% in 2023. Home charging availability has become more prominent, moving from the sixth most commonly cited barrier last year to joint first.
The findings highlight the importance of helping customers assess charging access and vehicle suitability alongside purchase costs.
Policy uncertainty affects existing EV owners
The research also found that 25% of current EV owners said the mandate consultation had made them less likely to choose another electric car.
Drivers were divided over whether the Government should retain the existing mandate schedule, with 36% agreeing and 29% disagreeing.
Support was stronger among EV owners, with 56% in favour of retaining the schedule and 15% opposed.
Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit, said: “Over the last six years Kwik Fit’s research has shown a consistent rise in the number of drivers planning to switch to an EV or hybrid.
“It’s really interesting that more than a quarter of those planning to buy a car in the next year intend to go fully electric.”
“It is vital that the ZEV Mandate phasing treads the right balance between encouraging the transition to low emissions and the practicalities vehicle manufacturers face.
“However, it’s notable that any potential changes have a clear risk of creating uncertainty among drivers.”
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