Change is taking place on UK roads as new laws are being introduced to pave the way for the uptake of zero-emission vehicles. Initially, it was thought that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars would be banned by 2030, but this has since been pushed back, with the government now hoping to make this change by 2035.
Even so, 2035 is a guideline, and it’s thought that the majority of new cars sold will be electric vehicles before this deadline. By 2030, 80% of new cars and 70% of vans are expected to be zero-emission, increasing to 100% by 2035.
At 凯发 our mission is to create a clean-energy ecosystem that reduces the world’s reliance on fossil fuels. With over two decades of innovation in battery and EV technology, we are accelerating the shift to electric mobility.
To support this transition, we surveyed 2,000 people in the UK to find out how people feel about learning to drive in an electric vehicle (EV) rather than a petrol or diesel vehicle. We’ll take a closer look at the findings below.
The younger generation is more likely to learn to drive in an EV rather than a traditional petrol or diesel car. 36% of Gen Z and millennials aged 18-34 said they would prefer to learn in an EV, compared to just 19% of over 55-year-olds.
Younger age groups are likely to be more receptive to new technology, actively looking to experience the latest innovations such as those offered by electric cars. EVs give drivers access to industry-leading technology, making them more appealing to younger generations. Older drivers may not be as receptive to new technologies and may find the thought of driving an electric car daunting.
Gen Z and millennials are also more likely to be aware of the issue of climate change, prompting a more emotional response from both age groups. These generations likely feel more responsible for the health of the planet as it will have a direct impact on them and their future. Because of this, we’re more likely to see younger drivers choose electric cars.
According to survey results, Belfast residents are most likely to learn to drive in an EV, with 40% saying they’d prefer to do this, rather than learning in a petrol or diesel car. However, this contrasts with the charging infrastructure available in the city. Belfast lags behind other cities when it comes to EV charger accessibility, with only 54 chargers per 100,000 people.
Wrexham comes a close second with 32% of drivers preferring to learn to drive in an electric car. While a clear indication that there’s demand for EVs in the region, there are still only 33.2 chargers per 100,000 people.
These findings show that while interest in electric driving is increasing around the UK, charging infrastructure will need to improve to keep up with rising demand — especially in smaller, less populated areas of the country.
London ranks third highest for learner drivers prioritising EVs over traditional petrol and diesel cars, with 19% preferring to learn in an EV. As the UK’s capital, London has the capacity and infrastructure to support the uptake of emission-free driving, with a huge 765.2 charging devices per 100,000 residents.
This figure could be inflated due to congestion charges, low emission zones and ULEZ charges being put in place around the city, charging drivers who enter in internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and making the daily commute more expensive.
It could also be that drivers in London are more likely to have prior EV knowledge and experience — not to mention, easier access to charging infrastructure.
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Methodology
We carried out a survey of 2,000 people in the UK, via OnePoll. The survey asked several questions about EVs to gauge the public's understanding and sentiment.