Two thirds of motorists (65.7 per cent) say they would be more likely to buy an electric car if the recharging infrastructure was more readily available.
According to a new survey of 1,417 drivers conducted by on behalf of EV recharging firm Elektromotive, only 7.8 per cent would be unaffected by the presence of more roadside charging posts, who say it would not make them more likely to purchase an EV. Over a quarter (26.5 per cent) of those surveyed said they were ‘undecided’, suggesting that a significant minority still need to be persuaded about the viability and benefits of EVs.
As just 534 grants were taken up through the Government’s Plugged-in Car Grants scheme in the first quarter of 2011, Elektromotive suggest that the lack of widespread public charging points could be one of the main factors suppressing EV demand.
Elektromotive is currently the UK’s leading provider of EV charging stations, and so far has installed over 600 Elektrobay charging stations in public and private car parks and on roadsides across the country.
“The development of electric vehicles has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, but many consumers are understandably concerned that if they buy a new EV they might not be able to easily charge it when away from home or the workplace,” comments Calvey Taylor-Haw, Managing Director of Elektromotive. “It’s clear that much more needs to be done to create the charging infrastructures that are essential to underpin mainstream acceptance of EVs.”
He adds: “We are finding there are still huge misconceptions and confusion about electric vehicles, not just from the public but, surprisingly, from within the motor industry too. People are unsure how EV batteries charge, the physics and science of amps and volts, the range, running costs and the types of chargers available and their capabilities. It’s actually not that complex and Elektromotive will be working with industry partners to educate potential EV drivers about the various benefits of ownership.”
Elektromotive has developed several variants of its now famous Elektrobay charging station for use by passenger cars, public service vehicles and commercial vehicles. Its extensive range of products, including the new Elektrobay Rapid Charger, is helping lead the installation of EV charging infrastructures in the UK and overseas.
