More than half of drivers say pay-per-mile road charging for electric vehicles would make them less likely to switch, according to a major new survey.
Research by Electrifying.com and the AA of around 12,000 motorists found 55% believe mileage-based charging would deter them from going electric.
The findings come as ministers consider how to replace falling fuel duty revenues in the shift to zero-emission cars.
The survey also highlights fragile confidence in the financial case for EVs. Just 14% agreed that “The overall running costs of an electric car are lower than those of a petrol or diesel car,” despite consistent analysis showing EVs are typically cheaper to run due to lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Only 25% said they were aware of off-peak tariffs that allow drivers to charge overnight at reduced rates.
Ginny Buckley, Founder and CEO of Electrifying.com, said: “This data should be a wake-up call for Whitehall.
As our survey shows, the proposed pay-per-mile tax sends the wrong signal at the wrong time. Instead of accelerating the EV transition, it risks slamming on the brakes.”
Edmund King, AA president, added: “Mixed messages from the Government are confusing drivers and leaving uncertainty. The early adopters have already made the switch, but mainstream motorists need more accurate information to convince them”
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