Electric cars still not convincing consumers
08/12/2010
Less than 1% of vehicle request on FindsYouCars are opting for hybrid or electric models. With more than 41% of requests, diesel still reigns as the most desired fuel option whilst 23% continue to specify petrol as their preference.
Despite the nation’s apparent reluctance to eco-motoring advances, the Nissan Leaf has marked the launch of the first fully electric car and other manufacturers are now quickly following suit, such as Renault, Peugeot and Toyota, to create an entire new wave of electric and hybrid motors.
Although manufacturers are investing heavily in new eco models, some convincing is drastically needed amongst the British car buying public. Feedback from our users shows that price and performance are proving major barriers and deterring people from investing. The majority of car buyers do not want to be early adopters and may sit back to see how the market develops before jumping on the eco band wagon. The motoring industry has a job to do to educate consumers about real benefits, such as cost of ownership whilst allaying fears surrounding the lack of infrastructure, performance and purchase price. If this does not happen, the future of low emission cars will take off to a very slow start.
Despite environmental concerns not topping the priority list amongst British motorists, it appears the biggest drive in appealing to consumers will be the reductions they bring to people’s wallets, particularly with the prospect of free charging bays, no road tax or congestion charge, free/discounted parking and potential government grants.
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