British Drivers Thwart EV Promoters as they Dismiss Rishi Sunak’s 2030 Petrol and Diesel Car Ban

According to recent research, Rishi Sunak’s petrol and diesel car ban has not received support from British motorists, as interest in electric cars declines. This news is a setback for the Prime Minister, who has remained committed to the 2030 deadline for the sale of new combustion vehicles introduced by Boris Johnson.

However, the demand for electric cars has significantly dropped as motorists remain concerned about the costs involved.

A survey conducted by Electrifying.com and the AA reveals that only 16 percent of respondents believe that the Government’s pursuit of the 2030 new car sales deadline is justified.

Furthermore, the survey shows that consumer confidence in electric cars has declined, with only nine percent of prospective buyers considering an electric vehicle as their next purchase.

One of the main issues cited by 87 percent of buyers is the high price tag of electric cars. AutoTrader data indicates that electric models are approximately 33 percent more expensive than petrol and diesel cars.

AA President, Edmund King OBE, warns that these costs are discouraging motorists from making the switch to electric cars. He calls on the Government and local authorities to continue offering incentives to attract more people towards electric vehicles.

King explains, “The higher initial cost of EVs and the difficulties associated with charging, especially for those without off-street parking, are discouraging a significant proportion of drivers from transitioning. Financial incentives are needed to make EVs more affordable for drivers who cannot benefit from salary sacrifice or company car discounts. Once drivers make the switch, they will realize the financial, driving, and environmental benefits and will never look back.”

Many of the financial incentives introduced for EV owners are now being withdrawn, and some councils are even imposing fees for parking permits on electric vehicles. Additionally, the Chancellor has confirmed that electric vehicle owners will need to pay car tax starting from 2025.

Ian Plummer, the commercial director at Auto Trader, also calls for government intervention to support motorists. He emphasizes the importance of tax system support for the used EV market to ensure the sustainability of the overall electric vehicle market and a successful transition to EVs by 2030.

Plummer says, “Consumers still have concerns about affordability and charging, which is why we need a clear statement of intent from the Government. Penalizing drivers who have to charge in public with higher VAT is simply unfair; we need to put an end to this charging injustice.”