A recent survey conducted by RingGo, a UK parking provider, has found that 76% of the British driving public are aware of the environmental impacts of driving. Despite the high figure, only two-fifths of drivers said they would consider buying an eco-friendly vehicle as their next car purchase.
According to the report, 32% of British drivers that would be open to making the switch to an electric vehicle require greater availability of charging points, whilst one in five of those currently not considering an EV would consider it if their range was greater.
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Peter O’Driscoll, Managing Director at RingGo, said: “Overall this research highlights that more needs to be done by businesses, special interest groups and local communities to convert consciousness into action. The pandemic has seen a wave of strong activism and more conversations around sustainability, which has driven the nation to re-evaluate mobility solutions.”
Recent global initiatives to raise awareness of pollution and global warming appear to have impacted the considerations of UK drivers. Just under half of those surveyed believe driving is the most polluting form of transport; although, only 38% said that the environmental impact of driving affects the amount of mileage they accumulate over the course of a year.
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“More is needed from businesses and operators to expand the understanding of what EVs can offer drivers, how far they can really go and the ever-growing availability of charging points. We also need to ensure people know about the financial benefits – the BIK scheme and emissions based parking are just the start” added O’Driscoll.
The pandemic has also highlighted concerns from UK drivers when it comes to e-mobility. RingGo found that more than half of drivers agree that they would like to choose more environmentally friendly methods of transport when travelling, but feel safer in their standard car; the majority of drivers in agreeance residing in London (63%), where public chargers and EVs are being heavily pushed.
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With just over a decade to go until the proposed phase-out plan of fossil-fuelled vehicles, this alarming insight should urge the government and the automotive industry to take action to get all UK drivers on board.
What do you make of the UK’s charging infrastructure? Let us know in the comments below or via social media – we’re on: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
