Older drivers, women and low-income drivers risk being left behind by the rush to go electric, industry leaders warn as ministers are urged to step up support for people looking to make the switch to increasingly expensive electric vehicles
Older Drivers, women and lower-income drivers risk being left behind in the rush to go electric, industry leaders warned yesterday.
Experts say the three groups are most at risk of being locked out of the transition due to the rising cost of electric vehicles (EVs), increasing pressure on ministers to offer support for making the switch.
It came as colleagues launched a study into electric cars and whether the government’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 is realistic.
During the opening session, the Lords’ Committee on Environment and Climate Change was told that the cost of insuring an electric car has risen by as much as 60 per cent this year.
Meanwhile, street charging stations are up to 20 percent more expensive than fossil fuel fuel due to the rise in electricity costs.
Experts say the three groups are most at risk of being left out of the transition amid the rising cost of electric vehicles (Stock image)
One key goal, which is to have six high-speed chargers at every motorway service station by 2024, will almost certainly be missed, the committee was told.
A survey for car sales website AutoTrader found that 56 percent of motorists think electric vehicles are too expensive and only 47 percent think they would suit their lifestyle.
It is the latest blow to the government’s target for 2030.
Mike Hawes, CEO of the industry association Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, told the committee sales of electric vehicles were cooling and better incentives were needed to help private motorists buy them. He said: “Insurance has gone up significantly this year – about 50 to 60 percent. Is there anything we can do to encourage it or make it more affordable in terms of insurance?’
EVs have price tags as much as £10,000 more expensive than petrol or diesel equivalents. And there are only nine EV models on sale for less than £30,000, up from 11 by the end of 2022.
By contrast, there are 87 diesel and petrol models selling for under £30,000.
Auto Trader’s Marc Palmer told colleagues: “There are three core groups left behind by the transition: the over-55s, women and those on lower incomes.
“We see a real risk that these people will be left behind in the transition, so action must be taken to help them.
“The main reasons they’re lagging behind are really cost – it’s a big barrier – the perception of public charging infrastructure and the lifestyle changes needed.”
Another poll conducted by the AA and Electrifying.com found that only 16 percent of motorists agree that the government is right in pursuing the 2030 ban.
Only 9 percent of respondents said their next car would be electric, while a whopping 87 percent said EVs were too expensive.
The Daily Mail has launched a campaign calling on ministers to reconsider the 2030 target, aimed at boosting the switch to electric vehicles and supporting efforts to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.