The majority of UK motorists could bring forward the purchase of an electric car if the autumn budget includes fresh EV incentives.
That is the finding of new research, which found 61 percent of drivers are open to buying an EV sooner if the Chancellor announces more financial support for electric cars next week.
Around a fifth (21 percent) of the 1,500 motorists surveyed said they would definitely accelerate their EV purchase plans with extra incentives, while a further 40 percent noted they possibly would.
Some 11 percent of respondents said they already plan to purchase an electric vehicle, regardless of any new government policy.
Younger drivers, aged between 18 and 34, were the most likely to consider going electric with extra incentives, with 29 percent saying they would speed up their purchase. By contrast, just 10 percent of drivers aged over 65 thought the same.
High EV purchase costs a concern
The survey by road safety company Ooono discovered 55 percent of respondents felt anxious about buying an EV due to worries about possible changes in government policy.
In particular, concerns about pay-per-mile taxation for electric cars, instead of traditional VED (road tax), are making motorists hesitant.
Even for existing EV drivers, close to three-quarters (73 percent) cited uncertainty over future government policy as a concern.
Along with the higher purchase price of electric vehicles, which the government’s existing Electric Car Grant (ECG) is intended to address, those surveyed were also worried about the cost of charging an EV.
Nearly half (46 percent) said upfront purchase costs were an obstacle to going electric, with 41 percent noting that limited public charging infrastructure was a barrier for them.
Among those surveyed, an incentive of between £1,001 and £2,000 from the government would be enough to make them consider switching sooner.
Need for ‘clarity and confidence’ in Budget
Mike Skyte, UK market lead for Ooono said: “The research suggests there is considerable appetite among British motorists to make the switch to electric vehicles, but government policy has an important role to play in determining when they take that decision.
“With almost two thirds of motorists potentially willing to bring forward an EV purchase if new incentives were introduced, the autumn budget presents an opportunity to give drivers greater confidence about the future costs of electric motoring.
“However, the findings also demonstrate that uncertainty over future taxation and government support risks having the opposite effect. Motorists need clarity and confidence if they are to make what remains a significant financial commitment.”
The autumn Budget will be announced on Wednesday 28 October 2026. It remains to be seen if further EV incentives are included.
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