• 57% of petrol drivers score 2 or less out of 10 on EV knowledge.
• Misinformation drastically reduces the likelihood of switching to electric vehicles.
• Accurate information could change perceptions and increase EV adoption.

A recent poll reveals that petrol car drivers have a poor understanding of electric vehicles (EVs), which is hindering the shift to cleaner, cheaper alternatives. The survey by YouGov for the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) shows that over half of petrol and diesel car drivers scored two or less out of ten on basic EV knowledge questions, with 90% scoring five or less.

The lack of knowledge about EVs is significantly impacting driver choices. According to the survey, drivers who scored poorly on the EV knowledge test were 11 times less likely to consider an electric vehicle for their next car compared to those with higher scores.

Colin Walker, Head of Transport at ECIU, pointed out, “Poll after poll has found EV drivers love their cars and simply wouldn’t go back to petrol. But all the myths being pedaled about EVs are misleading some petrol car drivers who now have a really poor knowledge of electric cars.“

The poll also highlighted several common misconceptions:

• Cost Misconceptions: 62% of petrol drivers believe EVs are more expensive to own and run than petrol cars, while only 14% correctly recognize that EVs are typically cheaper. In reality, drivers of the top 10 selling petrol cars in 2023 could be paying a “petrol premium” of £700 annually compared to equivalent electric cars.
• Fire Risk: 41% incorrectly think EVs are more likely to catch fire than petrol cars, despite evidence from EV Fire Safe showing EVs are over 80 times less likely to catch fire.
• Grid Capacity Myths: More than half (59%) of petrol drivers wrongly believe the UK’s electricity grid can’t handle a shift to EVs. The National Grid has clarified that the power system will cope with millions more EVs.

Edmund King, AA President, emphasized the need for accurate information: “The switch to electric vehicles is a big jump for many, particularly when they don’t know what they are getting into. We find drivers are ‘hesitant’ rather than ‘hostile’ and much of this hesitancy is fuelled by misinformation.“

The car industry and government need to take a stronger stance against EV misinformation. Providing clear, factual information can help potential buyers make informed decisions and reduce the spread of myths that currently hinder EV adoption.

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James Court, CEO of EVA England, shared, “What’s frustrating is that the constant stream of misinformation about EVs is holding so many people back from accessing all these benefits. This poll reveals the extent to which many of the UK’s drivers have developed negative views about EVs that have no basis in reality.“

With the correct information and awareness, many drivers might rethink their stance on EVs, discovering that electric driving is not only environmentally friendly but also economically advantageous.