54% of motorists want to switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle to reduce their carbon emissions
With eco-consciousness on the rise and the number of electric and hybrid cars on UK roads increasing, which factors are the most important for motorists when looking to switch to an electric or hybrid car? To find out, Comparethemarket has carried out research which reveals the top motivations for motorists when making the switch.
Reducing carbon emissions is one of the top motivations for motorists when purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle
When looking at motorists’ priorities for buying either an electric or hybrid vehicle, reducing their carbon emissions is one of the main motivations (54%). Being aware of the government’s plan to ban new petrol and diesel cars in 2030 is also a reason for just over half (54%) of motorists for purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Overall, the top motivations motorists have when considering purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle are:
|
Top motivations to switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle |
% of drivers |
|
To reduce my carbon emissions |
54% |
|
I’m aware of the government’s plan to ban new petrol and diesel cars in 2030 |
54% |
|
They are quieter to drive |
19% |
|
I prefer the style or look of electric and hybrid vehicles |
9% |
|
I already drive one, and I prefer it to a petrol or diesel vehicle |
8% |
London and Plymouth drivers are most keen to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle as their next car
Comparethemarket asked drivers what type of vehicle they’re most likely to buy as their next car, with the results showing Plymouth drivers are most likely to purchase a hybrid. 55% said they would consider a hybrid car next, making them the most motivated city to drive green, despite 67% of cars in the city currently being petrol-fuelled.
In second place is Bristol, where two fifths (44%) of drivers say they would consider buying a hybrid vehicle.
Meanwhile, London drivers are the most inclined to swap to a fully electric vehicle at 39%, followed by those in Nottingham at 34%.
Edinburgh drivers are the most motivated to buy an electric car to reduce their carbon footprint compared to other UK locations
Car owners in Edinburgh agree that reducing carbon emissions is the top reason for buying an electric or hybrid vehicle, with 74% saying this.
Bristol drivers, on the other hand, are most motivated by the government’s plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030 (67%), while Leeds and Liverpool motorists are driven by a desire to save on the cost of fuel (64%).
Overall, 54% of drivers are motivated to purchase an electric or hybrid vehicle to reduce their carbon emissions, alongside the fact they are aware of the government’s plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars (54%).