According to recent data, sales of electric vehicles (EVs) have dropped by 11%, mainly driven by concerns over rising costs and the availability of charging infrastructure. Private buyers, in particular, have held off on purchasing EVs due to these factors.
In the first half of the year, there was a surge in EV purchases, but sales declined in the second half. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that private buyers were deterred by the cost of EVs and the uncertainty surrounding charging options. Additionally, the lack of clarity on when the government ban on new petrol and diesel cars would be implemented also contributed to the decline in sales.
The latest figures reveal that the number of electric cars bought by private owners has dropped from over one in three to less than one in four in just one year. In the first half of this year, only 24.2% of all EVs registered were purchased by private retail-buying motorists, compared to 36.3% in the first half of last year.
The SMMT report highlights the need for support for private buyers to facilitate a faster transition to zero-emission vehicles. Many individuals have expressed a desire to switch to EVs but are hesitant due to concerns about affordability and the availability of a reliable charging network.
Mike Hawes, the CEO of the SMMT, emphasized the importance of incentivizing private buyers to match the growing demand from fleet buyers. He stated that the industry is ready to move from the early adopter phase to mass adoption of EVs but requires policies and incentives that encourage private buyers to make the switch.
During the launch of the report, Alex Smith, the managing director of Volkswagen UK, mentioned the company’s plan to release an “affordable” mass-market electric vehicle, the €25,000 (£21,500) ID.2, in the coming years.
In conclusion, the decline in electric vehicle sales among private buyers can be attributed to concerns over costs and the availability of charging infrastructure. To accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles, it is crucial for policymakers and industry stakeholders to address these concerns and provide incentives that promote EV adoption.
Sources: The Times, SMMT