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6.5m UK households plan to buy an electric car by 2030

electric-vehicle-cheaper

New research has revealed that a quarter of UK households intend to purchase an electric vehicle within the next five years.

The research, carried out by energy watchdog Ofgem, found that over 6.5m households are planning on buying an electric or hybrid vehicle by 2026.

A ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will come into force in 2030.

The climate change committee estimates that by 2030 there will be 18m battery and hybrid electric vehicles on the road.

The Department for Transport recently revealed that there are already over half a million ultra-low emission vehicles on the roads in Britain.

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders data shows that over one in 10 vehicle sales last year were of an electric or hybrid vehicle. In the past four months, almost one in seven new cars sold have been electric or hybrid vehicles.

A third of households responded that they were unlikely to purchase an electric vehicle within the next five years, with 59% citing cost as the main reason. Short battery life and range was a concern for 38% of respondents, with 36% also voicing concern about not having anywhere to charge their vehicle.

Research from BloombergNEF found that electric cars were likely to be cheaper to buy than their fossil fuel counterparts by 2030 due to falling production costs.

Ofgem chief executive, Jonathan Brearley, said: “As more consumers make the switch to electric vehicles in the next five years, Ofgem will be announcing millions of pounds of investment to create a more flexible energy system to support the electrification of vehicles, renewable generation and low carbon forms of heat.

“Securing the investment is only half of the answer. Climate change can only be tackled if consumers are engaged in the process. For this to happen the transition to a low carbon economy needs to be fair, inclusive and affordable.”

The news was welcomed by consumer groups. Policy expert at Uswitch.com, Justina Miltienyte, said: “Ofgem’s pledge to pour millions of pounds into the electrification of vehicles, including installation of more charging points, is both timely and welcome.”

Head of sustainability at consumer group Which?, Michael Briggs, said: “Millions of people are expected to switch to electric cars, however the UK’s fractured public charging infrastructure can be confusing, expensive and could present a major barrier to ownership, particularly for those who do not have access to a private charger.”

Harry Pererra
Harry Pererra

Harry turns on his experience in journalism and programming to write about the latest news in the world of tech and the environemtn. When he isn’t writing for usave he is working towards his Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and prefers dogs to cats.

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