Almost a quarter of people (23 per cent) in the UK would not consider buying or driving an eco-friendly vehicle, according to new research.
And of that number, more than four in ten (42 per cent) believe electric and hydrogen-powered cars and motorbikes would be a hassle to fill up or charge.
The findings come from an online poll of over 2,000 people commissioned by Bridgestone ahead of the 2010 Eco Rally event which takes place tomorrow (Wednesday July 7). The event sponsored by the tyre maker, showcases the latest in low and zero emission vehicle technology in a convoy from Brighton to London’s Hyde Park.
According to the online research, sustainable transport may have a huge role to play in combating climate change, but people are reluctant to the switch.
For example, 37 per cent said they believed low or zero emission vehicles would be too expensive to buy and 17 per cent think they would be too expensive to run. Another concern for almost a third (32 per cent) was whether such a car or motorbike would be as powerful as a standard vehicle.
The organisers of the Bridgestone Eco Rally hope to allay these fears at the event tomorrow. It is the UK’s largest sustainable transport exhibition which is free to attend at the Royal Albert Memorial.
TV motoring journalist, Quentin Willson has driven in the last three Eco-Rallies: “These stats prove that there is a lot of confusion and myth about green cars, particularly about range, cost and performance. The biggest challenge is getting people to drive these cars. Once they do, all doubts evaporate.
“However, huge strides are being made in this area and we are keen to demonstrate at the Bridgestone Eco Rally that sustainable motoring really has hit the mainstream. For motorists who want cheaper fuel and energy choices this is only event in the world that showcases just how clever, usable and desirable green cars have become.”
Now in its fourth year, it is set to be bigger than ever with stars from the world of F1 supporting the event, including Ross Brawn, Eddie Irvine, Nico Hulkenburg and Patrick Head courtesy of Bridgestone, the official tyre supplier to F1.
Over the years, the event has attracted support from many high-profile celebrities, as well as some of the most important names in the motoring industry entering their revolutionary vehicles into the Eco-Rally and exhibition. Major manufacturers supporting this year’s event include BMW, Ford, Tesla, TH!NK, MINI and Honda, who will be showcasing their new CR-Z – the world’s first sporty hybrid.
For more information about the Bridgestone Eco-Rally, log on to www.eco-rally.org.
