September 6, 2011
Motorists are only marginally more open to the idea of buying a next-generation hybrid car or range-extended model as they are a fully electric battery model, the latest research has found.
As the UK prepares to welcome the first plug-in hybrid models and range-extended cars, research from leading green car guide, TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk found that, in spite of concerns over charging infrastructure, just a small majority of motorists would prefer one these cars over a fully battery-dependent model.
Just 52 per cent* said they would be more likely to buy one of these combustion engine-supported models than a full electric car, assuming these vehicles were all priced around the same.
With the range-extended Vauxhall Ampera set to cost £28,995 after a £5,000 plugged-in car grant (PICG), it will be closely priced to fully electric rivals such as the Nissan Leaf (£25,990 after PICG), meaning such electric cars could face serious competition from models with a greater driving range.
Nonetheless an impressive 48 per cent of respondents voted in favour of electric cars.
The poll, conducted by TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk, reveals a surprising result and supports other research which suggests that drivers in Great Britain typically travel less than 25 miles per journey in their cars**-well within the capabilities of a modern electric vehicle.
“We fully expected that motorists would express a great interest in these next-generation range-extended models as a half-way house to a fully electric model,” explains the website’s editor, Faye Sunderland.
“Both full EVs and hybrid type cars remain too expensive for many, our research suggests that it is indeed price, and not range, which will delay the uptake of these type of vehicles.
“As prices come down with increased production, we could see motorists making sensible decisions based on their driving needs rather than an irrational fear of electric cars. It is an encouraging result, which may go some way to combating criticism over the slow uptake of the Plugged-in Car Grants,” she adds.
“Ultimately fully electric models will offer the lowest running costs. But nevertheless the arrival of models such as the Vauxhall Ampera, Toyota Prius Plug-in and Volvo V60 Plug-in will offer a further step into the electrification of the motor car, extending on the progress pioneered by the first generation hybrids,” she concludes.
-Ends-
Note to Editors:
*TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk asked 530 website visitors; ‘If electric cars and plug-in hybrids/range-extended cars were all to cost about the same, which would you be most likely to buy?’ The full results were:
- Plug-in hybrid or range-extended car (52%)
- Fully electric car (48%)
**According to the recent Department for Transport report entitled ‘Making the Connection: the Plug-In Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy’ published in June 2011, 95 per cent of all car trips in Great Britain are less than 25 miles long (see page 9). The report can be accessed from: http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/plug-in-vehicle-infrastructure-strategy.
About TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk: The award-winning definitive guide to green cars, providing a wealth of information on everything from electric cars, efficient petrol and diesel cars to biofuels and hydrogen technology. The green car advisory website is also the best place for all the latest news and events relating to green cars. Since its launch on 16th June 2007, TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk has experienced a tremendous growth in traffic and now attains more than 225,000 page views a month.
TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk is owned and maintained by Really Good Domains Ltd, which run more motoring websites than any other company in the UK. As the UK’s largest internet advertising and marketing company for the motor industry, Really Good Domains also run the popular websites ContractHireAndLeasing.com, SaveMoneyOnCars.co.uk, TheVanWebsite.co.uk, RoadTestReports.co.uk, CarSupermarkets.co.uk and FleetDirectory.co.uk to name a few.
For further information or interview, contact: Faye Sunderland on 0161 482 7650 or email fayes@reallygooddomains.com. Really Good Domains, Domain House, 4 Watchgate, Newby Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, SK7 5DB.
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