Jodie Kidd on Gateway 97.8

New research has revealed that the UK has reached a tipping point when it comes to electric cars, with the majority of consumers (70%) now ‘considering’ purchasing one for their next vehicle. The findings come further to the Government announcing plans to bring forward the ban on the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles by five years from 2040 to 2035. Whilst the plans have been called optimistic by many, the new data suggests that there is public support for the move.

But the research – from Shell Energy – shows that the enthusiasm for an EV is tempered by concerns. While vehicle cost (80%) is cited as the main barriers to buying one, the study reveals there are also misconceptions around charging. Almost 4 in 10 (38%) are worried that they don’t know how to charge an electric car; 59% worry that it takes too long to charge; and higher electricity bills are a concern for 62% of survey respondents – although higher electricity bills can be mitigated by lower overall running costs. Incredibly, one in ten (9%) believe that EVs run off AA batteries.

Aston spoke to Jodie Kidd, TV presenter, model and motoring enthusiast to discuss the research in further detail and also about as to why people are considering buying electric vehicles.