More than half of UK drivers say introducing pay-per-mile road charging for electric vehicles would make them less likely to switch to a new or used EV, according to a survey of around 12,000 motorists conducted by Electrifying.com and the AA.
Of the respondents, 55% said mileage-based charging would deter them from going electric, a finding that should ring alarm bells in Government.
Ginny Buckley, Founder and CEO of Electrifying.com, said: “This data should be a wake-up call for Whitehall. Once again, we’re seeing confusing Government decision-making around electric vehicles that raises questions rather than builds confidence among car buyers considering making the switch.
“As our survey shows, the proposed pay-per-mile tax sends the wrong signal at the wrong time. Instead of accelerating the EV transition, it risks slamming on the brakes. You cannot claim to support mass adoption while undermining it with the threat of additional taxation.
“No driver would expect to move forward with one foot on the accelerator and the other on the brake – and neither should the Government.”
When asked whether they agreed with the statement: “The overall running costs of an electric car are lower than those of a petrol or diesel car,” just 14% agreed.
Only 25% of drivers said they were aware of off-peak energy deals that allow EV owners to charge at reduced rates overnight.
By announcing pay-per-mile charging years ahead of possible implementation, ministers have created uncertainty: not only about future costs, but also about how such a system would operate in practice, says Electrifying.com.
There remain significant unanswered questions over how mileage would be recorded, whether any form of in-car monitoring would be required, and how privacy concerns would be addressed.
Discussion about integrating mileage reporting into the MOT system raises practical questions for the hundreds of thousands of motorists who buy new electric cars each year, which are not subject to MOT testing for their first three years.
Electrifying.com believes the transition to electric must be affordable, predictable and fair for all.
