British motorists are increasingly rejecting electric cars and opting instead for petrol and diesel vehicles, according to new research that points to a sharp shift in consumer attitudes.
The study found that 41% of UK drivers planning to buy a car within the next two years intend to choose a petrol or diesel model, up from 36% last year. By contrast, just 19% said they were likely to buy a fully electric vehicle - less than half the number favouring traditional engines.
The figures mark a clear reversal from last year, when three in five drivers reported considering greener vehicles. That proportion has now fallen to 50%, suggesting enthusiasm for electric cars is fading.
High prices are the primary obstacle, GBNews reports. More than four in 10 motorists said the upfront cost of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids is deterring them. While prices are expected to fall in the coming years, many drivers remain unwilling to pay the premium.
Concerns over practicality also remain strong. 36% of drivers cited concerns about battery range, while 30% said the cost of replacing batteries was a major deterrent.
Maria Bengtsson, UK and Ireland Mobility Leader at EY, said the findings were unexpected given recent sales trends.
“Battery electric vehicle sales have grown strongly, so it is surprising to see consumer preference shifting back towards petrol and diesel,” she said. However, she added the figures should not cause panic, stressing there were still “reasons for optimism”.
The shift in sentiment comes as carmakers face tightening government targets.
Under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, at least 28% of new cars sold this year must be electric, with the target rising to 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2035. The sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned from 2030.
Despite drivers’ reluctance, sales of electric cars continue to rise. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows 426,000 electric vehicles have been registered so far this year, a 26% increase on last year. EVs now account for 22.7% of the new car market.
Sales of petrol and diesel cars have declined year-over-year, down 8.3% and 15.8%, respectively. Even so, petrol vehicles still make up nearly half of all new cars sold, while diesel’s market share has dropped to just 5.2%.
