‘I’m a car expert – this one electric car issue is | Tech News

More than a decade on from when electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids began to change into mainstream within the UK, the fashions are nonetheless struggling to appeal to the lots. Yes new EV gross sales figures show a slight 12 months-on-12 months rise with second-hand gross sales additionally on the up in 2024. But there appears to be a whiff of concern that the swap away from petrol and diesel vehicles is not occurring as fast as many anticipated. 

Earlier this 12 months, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) admitted there was “weak private demand” for EVs with many company cars under salary sacrifice. Could it be the price? Possibl, as brand new and used EVs are still a lot more expensive than petrol and diesel vehicles. 

But it’s becoming clearer and clearer that batteries have always been, and still are, the biggest concern preventing road users from making the transition.

Initially, it was range anxiety with drivers worried they would be breaking down on the side of motorways as their brand-new EV trundled to a halt. 

Those fears have slightly dissipated in recent years as thousands of new charging stations popped up across the country. 

Back in 2016, a poll from Leaseplan found that 76% were against EVs simply due to concerns around range anxiety

However, recent data from the AA shows that just two in five road users now worry about the risk of breaking down with no charge. 

Ric Baird, spokesperson for the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), recently said: “What we really need to see very quickly is the establishment of an industry-backed battery health check designed to reassure consumers in this respect, providing them with the credible information they need to make an informed buying decision.”

This is seemingly a main fear for customers with latest surveys placing battery considerations among the many greatest limitations to EV adoption. 

A latest ballot from AXA insurance coverage of 1,501 UK motorists discovered that just about two-thirds (63 %) usually are not thinking about buying an electric model. Closer evaluation discovered 37% of these people had considerations over the battery’s lifespan.

Some producers aren’t hanging round with American giant Polestar introducing battery state-of-health (BSOH) certificates for pre-owned Polestar 2 fashions. 

Marco Distefano, managing director of AXA Retail has predicted that battery health certificates would help “stimulate the used EV market”.

However, he additionally warns that pushing the can down the street and never addressing the considerations of street customers might risk a world the place “EV uptake will remain low”.

It’s not laborious to disagree. Batteries are nonetheless street customers’ quantity one concern, and the concern seemingly isn’t going away.