2019 Set to be the Year UK Drivers Switch to an Electric or Hybrid

With environmental damage being a constant topic in the news and the improving technology and infrastructure for electric cars, 2019 is becoming the year in which UK motorists are making the switch to electric cars. In addition to the environmental benefits, this can bring a range of other advantages for motorists so it is easy to see why so many are looking to make the switch.

An AA Poll

AA Cars recently carried out analysis that revealed some interesting statistics and insight into motorists making the switch and taking other steps to be more green in their life. The AA poll surveyed over 22,000 drivers and found that roughly half are taking measures to go green in 2019 with changes to how they drive being top of the list. 1 in 5 responded that they plan to use their car less with 1 in 10 stating that they plan to buy an ultra-low (ULEV) or zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) in the coming months.

This follows AA research from a few months ago which revealed that 22% of respondents were planning to switch to an electric or hybrid for their next automobile which goes to show that it is in the plans of many motorists if they are not making the switch in the next few months.

Big Changes in the Capital

Interestingly, the poll revealed that it was those in London that were more likely than the average road user to make the switch - this is likely due to the charges facing petrol and diesel cars in the capital along with the increasing density of charging points as range anxiety has been a big issue up until recently. Charging points now outnumber petrol stations and separate research showed that over 800 new charging points are being installed every month.

Young Motorists Keen To Switch

Additionally, it was motorists between the age of 18 and 34 who were more likely to make the change to an environmentally-friendly automobile with 12% saying that they intended to do so within the next few months.

Other Changes

It is not just changes to motoring that people are intended to make in a bid to reduce environmental damage. The AA poll also revealed that 15% plan to source more local produce, 13% plan to switch to a greener energy supplier and another 13% plan to reduce how much plastic they use. 8% plan to reduce water usage while 6% of respondents plan to eat less red meat.

A Smart Switch

CEO of AA Cars James Fairclough commented that environmental concerns were a major factor for people making the switch but it was not the only reason:

“It’s becoming increasingly practical to own an ultra-low or zero-emission vehicle which is helping to catalyse this green revolution. Several new electric car models are being introduced over the coming months which offer greater range on a single charge as well as a range of high-tech features such as advance driver assistance. There are more fast-charging points being installed too, allowing a full charge to be taken in minutes."

The future certainly looks bright for the electric car revolution with many motorists looking to make the switch in the coming months or slightly further down the road. This is, of course, good news in terms of reducing environmental impact but motorists will find that it will be a smart switch to make in the long run for a handful of reasons.

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