Is Climate Change Awareness Leading to Increased Sales of Electrical Vehicles?

Recent surveys showcase the current and anticipated increase in demand for electric vehicles within the car market. Could this be due to the increasing awareness of climate change?

Are consumers actively trying to reduce the carbon emissions they produce?

A survey released in November detailed that demand for electric vehicles (including hybrid cars) had risen by an astonishing 22% compared to last year. This averages that 1 in 10 vehicles sold within the UK is electric or hybrid cars, making the total market share for EVs rise to 10.2% (according to SMMT ‘The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders”). 

Could this rise be a result in drivers within the UK being more aware of the current climate crisis and therefore wanting to actively reduce their own carbon emissions by investing in electrical transport? Climate change has become the focus of many of the 2019 political campaigns with parties pledging to act towards a greener future, could this be influencing the actions of the public? According to a survey published by PEW Research Centre, the awareness of climate change has risen within the UK from 48% in 2015 to 66% in 2018. It’s possible that because consumers are more ‘clued-up’ about the effects of carbon emissions and recent developments such as London’s introduction of an ‘Ultra Low Emissions Zone’ in a bid to reduce the pollution in the air surrounding the capital city are affecting a consumer’s choice in vehicles. The introduction of London’s ‘Ultra Low Emissions Zone’ led to innovative ideas such as the launch of London’s first all-electric black cab.

22% of drivers are likely to purchase an EV as their next car, coming second to petrol at 37% (survey conducted by Auto Express).

With the festive season upon us, some car manufacturers have used Christmas to their advantage when marketing their electric vehicles to consumers. Take Peugeot as an example, they de-bunked some common EV myths about charging and travel distance while promoting their E-208 vehicle. An accompanying report showed that within the UK the average driver travels 79 miles to visit friends and family over the Christmas period. It was then showcased that the vehicle travels 217 miles on a full charge but for ease of mind to the customer, it was also pointed out that the car supports rapid charging and a 30-minute charging session can boost battery levels to 80%. This helps to clear doubt from new EV drivers that switching from petrol/diesel means stopping numerous times to charge your car to be able to complete a single journey.

No matter the range of reasons and the countless surveys produced, each existing or new electric vehicle owner will have their own personal reasons for their decision to make the switch to electric transportation. It will be interesting to see if within the next few years if EVs will overtake petrol vehicles and continue to increase its market share.

UCS Renewables provide installation of EV chargers including Evbox, Rolec and Zappi. If you are interested in commercial or domestic installation please don’t hesitate to contact us for your free quote. Points of contact and further information about our EV charging solutions can be found on the following websites.

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