EVA SURVEY FINDINGS
Survey results reveal support for electric vehicle ownership in Scotland but new EV prices must come down and charging infrastructure accelerated.
According to the 2021/22 member survey by the Electric Vehicle Association Scotland, manufacturers must look to reduce the cost of buying electric vehicles to accelerate the switch away from fossil fuels and Scotland’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure must continue to grow.
In its annual review of members, EVA Scotland found that over 83% of respondents said that purchase costs were a major factor in choosing an electric vehicle, with 50% wanting to see new EV prices reduced. Additionally, more than 43% say they want to see rapid development and growth of Scotland’s EV charging infrastructure which EVA Scotland supports.
When asked what influenced them most when considering making the transition to owning an electric vehicle, EVA members responded:
- Over 90% quoted cheaper fuel costs
- 71% reductions in overall running costs
- 82% said a more enjoyable drive
- 87% enjoyed a quieter drive
- 68.75% enjoyed increased acceleration
More than 96% said they were very satisfied (78%) or satisfied (18%) with their EV – 68% were likely or very likely to consider an EV for their next vehicle. Although battery range was one of the key factors in choosing their current EV according to 63% of drivers, only 14% of those surveyed thought that EVs were not suitable for long journeys.
Commenting on the results of the survey, EVA Scotland director Neil Swanson said: “We firmly believe that these results show tremendous confidence in the future of all-electric vehicles as the way forward in our global battle against climate change and, if manufacturers address the current higher costs of buying an EV, the current rate of change from fossil fuel vehicles will accelerate even more rapidly.
“Members also want to see further development and growth of Scotland’s EV charging infrastructure which EVA Scotland supports and is calling on national and local government and the charge-point supply industry to respond.”
There are now over 30,000 licensed vehicles in Scotland classed as ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), with the majority being either a pure battery or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Mr. Swanson added: “The shift from ICE to electric vehicles is going to be one of the largest examples of public or private policy implementation of the next decade.”
The vast majority (74.5%) of respondents to the survey were in the 45-74 age group, with 88% confirming they were EV drivers.
The EVA Scotland survey further reinforces recent figures issues by the Office for National Statistics that showed that more than half of motorists aged 16-49 years said they are likely to switch to all-electric vehicles within the next decade when sales of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars will come to an end.
“As the voice of electric vehicle drivers in Scotland, EVA Scotland understands the important role the EV community plays in policy decisions. Supporting the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland towards net zero carbon emissions and the incredible work pioneered by local authorities is our main objective and what we will continue to do.”
“EV drivers’ associations play an instrumental role in providing a support network for individuals using electric modes of transport and promoting the benefits of the electrification of transport for our environment, our health and our economy.”
FAIRCHARGE UK
Further to this support from EVA Scotland, electric vehicle drivers now have the additional backing of one of the UK’s top campaigning lobbyist in their quest for fairer electricity charges – motoring journalist and former BBC Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson who has, for over 12 years, led the FairFuel UK lobby for fairer treatment for petrol and diesel car drivers.
Making his decision to walk away from FairFuel UK last year, Willson has now launched the FairCharge UK campaign, saying he is now fully focused on lobbying on behalf of EV drivers:
“I am delighted and looking forward to working with EVA Scotland in their campaign to improve the understanding of EVs and lobby with them to ensure fairer charging rates for EV drivers. The electrification of road transport has no boundaries and the challenges and benefits are global.”
Follow Quentin’s campaign on Twitter @fairchargeuk and register as a supporter at www.faircharge.co.uk
For further information regarding the survey results and EVA Scotland contact:
Laura Robinson – Operating Officer EVA Scotland
Tel: 07802 436833 / 0131 610 3827
Email: laura.robinson@eva.scot