NewMotion have released new research that shows attitudes towards electric vehicles from the UK population.

Over 3,000 consumers were surveyed nationwide to gain insight into their understanding of electric vehicles and the issues surrounding them.

The research shows that 69 percent of people would consider switching to an EV, despite the lack of understanding surrounding them.

Changes in technology and government policies have helped EVs gain media traction.

Major political shifts in attitudes towards EV have helped usher in this change; The UK Modern transport Bill, the announcement of the first mass available electric vehicle from Tesla, and even The Queen’s speech in 2017 that talked about ensuring Britain remained a global leader in EV, are all contributing to a significant change in the way EVs are perceived.

Despite these significant changes, there is still a lack of understanding from the general public. Over three quarters of respondents (76%) did not know what ‘EV’ stood for when asked. Over a quarter of people (27%) didn’t know how they would charge an EV and 58 per cent of people think an EV can be charged through an ordinary electrical socket.

Respondents were also unsure about how far an EV can travel, with the majority of people guessing an average of 63 miles range on a fully charged battery (a Nissan Leaf will travel 107 miles on a fully charged battery). This shows that the “range anxiety” people might experience when considering buying an EV is more a lack of knowledge than an actual fear.

Sander van der Veen, UK Country Manager, NewMotion, commented: “At the moment general consumer awareness of EVs is pretty low in the UK. However, this is going to have to change pretty quickly as the world around us adapts to a new normal.

It’s the responsibility of governments, car manufacturers and companies like NewMotion, who support the charging infrastructure, to help raise awareness and educate the next generation of car users. We’re on the verge of an electric vehicle revolution that won’t suddenly go away.”

When asked about why they would switch to an EV, 59% of respondents stated they wanted to help reduce their pollution and 57% of people wanted to reduce their total cost of car ownership.

Sander van der Veen continued, “There’s definitely an appetite from consumers to move away from the traditional petrol/diesel model of transport. Not only are costs increasingly prohibitive, consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of driving with petrol and diesel.”