UK Motorists Struggle with Electric Vehicle Knowledge Amidst Regulatory Changes

Strategic Insights -

As the UK prepares for the end of new petrol and diesel car sales in 2030, nearly half of motorists rate their understanding of electric and hybrid vehicles as poor. Research by PEUGEOT UK reveals stark gaps in electric vehicle knowledge by age and region, with younger generations and Londoners being more confident in their understanding. Despite the growth of electric car users in the UK, with over 1.5 million** electric car users, motorists' knowledge of electric vehicles remains a significant challenge.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two-fifths of UK motorists rate their understanding of electric and hybrid vehicles as poor, just five years from the end of new petrol and diesel car sales.
  • There are stark gaps in electric vehicle knowledge by age, with 49% of 25 to 34-year-olds claiming good or excellent EV knowledge, compared to just 13% of over 65s.
  • Londoners have the highest confidence in electric vehicle knowledge, with 49% rating their understanding as good or excellent, while the East of England has the lowest, with just 12%.
  • 43% of participants in a recent survey rated their understanding of electric vehicles as either poor or very poor, with only 23% believing their understanding of electric vehicles was good or very good.
  • Just 21% of motorists are unsure whether plug-in hybrid and electric cars are different, and 29% do not know how quickly an electric car can charge from 20-80% using a 100kW or greater DC rapid charger.
  • The PEUGEOT E-3008 Long Range charges from 20-80% in just 27 minutes using a 160kW DC charger, with a combined range of 435 miles (WLTP).

Statistics:

  • 43% of UK motorists rate their understanding of electric vehicles as either poor or very poor.
  • 23% of motorists believe they have a good understanding of electric vehicles.
  • 49% of 25 to 34-year-olds claim good or excellent EV knowledge.
  • 13% of over 65s claim good or excellent EV knowledge.
  • 21% of motorists are unsure whether plug-in hybrid and electric cars are different.
  • 29% of motorists do not know how quickly an electric car can charge from 20-80% using a 100kW or greater DC rapid charger.
  • 78% of motorists found the ways that different electric vehicle charging providers operate confusing.

Sources:

  • Stellantis N.V. (press release)
  • PEUGEOT UK (research on electric vehicle knowledge)
  • Contify.com (article)