New Alphabet EV data shows consumer positivity

PUBLIC polling by Alphabet with supermarket customers last month found drivers genuinely positive about EVs, attracted by affordable motoring and improved charging.

Alphabet was supporting the Department for Transport’s (DfT) EV awareness campaign. Customers of three Sainsbury’s supermarkets were invited to see EVs up close, book test drives with local dealers, and learn more about charging and the Electric Car Grant.

The business mobility provider supplied a BMW iX3 and a MINI Countryman to the three events, staged in stores in St Albans, Harrogate and Ipswich on 21-23 May.

It says that while shoppers drawn to the vehicles were likely to be positive about the benefits of EVs, the data still reflects the wider trend of growing positivity and adoption of the technology.

More than 50% of shoppers said that they were ‘likely’ to purchase an EV within the next 12 months
When asked what was attracting them to an EV now:
- 30% of respondents said it was the promise of more affordable motoring
- 26% said improved charging infrastructure was a factor
- 19% said it was the prospect of sustainable mobility

When asked what had stopped them buying an EV so far:
- 42% of respondents said it was down to the higher list price of an EV compared to a petrol or diesel-engined car
- 23% said it was concerns about the UK’s nationwide charging infrastructure

“It feels like the stars are aligning on EVs right now: world events are affecting fuel prices, which is hitting people in the pocket. Additionally, there’s far greater price parity between EVs and their petrol and diesel counterparts, and there’s a notable increase in the number of EVs on the market compared to this time last year.”

Caroline Sandall-Mansergh, Consultancy and Channel Development Manager, Alphabet (GB) Tweet

“The data captured from shoppers reveals that lots are positive about owning or driving an electric vehicle. And while there are still many some challenges around residual values and uncertainly regarding future tax implications, drivers can see the huge investment into the charging infrastructure and the significant leaps in vehicle range. These help to dispel the misconceptions around owing an EV.”