One in four consumers consider buying an electric car, study finds Car News

One in four consumers plan to buy an electrified car in the next five years – but high prices and range anxiety remain major concerns, according to a study by energy industry regulator Ofgem.

Research by the government-appointed body indicated that 24% of consumers, or 6.5 million households, hope to switch to more sustainable modes of transportation, by purchasing a fully electric or hybrid car.

About 38% of participants said they were unlikely to acquire an electric vehicle in the next five years, with high prices (59%), short battery life, or range anxiety (38 %) and fears of not being able to charge their vehicle. to blame near them (59%). Research has also shown that 60% would consider smart charging their vehicle to avoid a time of day when electricity is the most expensive.

Electric vehicle owners have also been shown to be more open to changes in the way they use their energy and are three times more likely to say they are priced according to length of use than non-electric vehicle owners. owners.

“As more consumers switch to electric vehicles over the next five years, Ofgem will announce millions of pounds of investment to create a more flexible energy system to support vehicle electrification, power generation. renewable energy and low carbon forms of heat ”. said Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive Officer of Ofgem.

The study also highlighted the broader relationship between fossil fuels and power generation. Almost three-quarters of consumers (74%) identified the production and transmission of electricity, such as fossil-fueled power plants and exhaust emissions, as playing an important role in contributing to climate change.

Fewer consumers (60%) indicated that home heating played a significant role in contributing to climate change, although one in seven (14%) said they planned to install low-carbon heating in their homes. his house.

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