Latest news with #EVdrivers
Auto Express
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Electric car drivers won't ever go back to petrol or diesel
It's a conversation we're having often with industry figures – how do we kick the UK's electric car market into life? Truth is, the majority of EV drivers (with a few exceptions) won't ever go back to petrol or diesel. If it works for you, then it works. That likely requires the ability to charge at home, but the point remains that a high proportion of EV drivers are happy with their choice. Nissan's figures show 95 per cent want another EV; Ford says 89 per cent of EV drivers don't go back to ICE; and our own Carwow Group data at Auto Express shows that 82 per cent of EV drivers say the same tech would be their first choice when they change vehicles. So there's clearly very little regret from those who've made the switch. Advertisement - Article continues below So why is there still negativity about EVs? I get why full-on car lovers, people without off-street charging, and those who do regular journeys of more than 200 miles aren't keen. But for most, I think it's a comfort blanket of the familiar. That's why we need to incentivise the transition. I'm not going to get into environmental arguments – that's a topic for another time – but governments feel the case is proven that EVs are better in terms of air quality, and they're the ones dictating the direction of travel. It's coming whether we like it or not. But people clearly need a little help to convince them to go electric. It's worked brilliantly for company cars, because the Benefit-in-Kind tax regime has made EVs such a financial open goal. But for private buyers? Not so much. Obviously, there's a question about whether we should be artificially boosting the EV market at all. If the tech is that good, why not give it time to be adopted organically rather than forced through? Humans are creatures of habit and, early adopters aside, tend to gravitate to what they know. Especially when there's scaremonger-fuelled fear that the regular journey you've managed in an ICE car for many years will suddenly become a problem-littered hell drive. Two things that would help would be to reduce the cost of public charging – easily achieved by cutting the rate of VAT from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on electricity (as it is at home) – and by coming up with ways to boost the used market. More used demand means values rise, leasing rates go down and more people can go for a new EV. Do you agree with Paul? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...
Auto Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- Auto Express
London congestion charge to rise by 20% as EV exemption chopped
Transport for London has revealed plans to increase the cost of the London congestion charge by 20 per cent and end the exemption for electric vehicles, with its new proposal set to kick in from 2 January. The current charge – £15 per day – has been in place since 2020, and TfL's suggested increase to £18 is, it said, below the rate of inflation over the past five years. The electric vehicle congestion charge exemption is also set to be culled, with EV drivers instead getting a 25 per cent discount on the new £18 charge, dropping to 12.5 per cent on 4 March 2030, if registered for the Auto Pay system. That will mean EV drivers going from the current exemption to £13.50 from the beginning of next year, and £15.75, if there are no further price rises, in March 2030. Advertisement - Article continues below TfL said the increase in the number of EVs being sold means maintaining the '100 per cent discount would lead to worsening traffic levels and congestion'. Electric vans, HGVs and quadricycles will be given a 50 per cent discount from next year, dropping to 25 per cent on 4 March 2030. 'It is timely to review whether a further increase is necessary in order to maintain the deterrent effect of the charge', said the TfL statement. 'This increase would help to maintain the traffic management effects of the Congestion Charge scheme in central London, support the other aims of the Mayor's Transport Strategy, and meet the Mayor's aims to improve air quality in London, achieve a net zero carbon city by 2030 and cut congestion in the capital.' In an attempt to promote policies on reducing private car use 'in favour of active, efficient and sustainable modes', only new applicants with electric vehicles will be eligible for a 90 per cent residents' discount from 1 March 2027. However, existing residents will retain their discounts, provided they renew their registration every year. The proposed changes are now subject to a 10-week consultation, closing on Monday 4 August. Tell us which new car you're interested in and get the very best offers from our network of over 5,500 UK dealers to compare. Let's go… Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers? Car Deal of the Day: Ford Explorer gives you practicality, style and EV power for £228 a month Car Deal of the Day: Ford Explorer gives you practicality, style and EV power for £228 a month Family-friendly SUV is arguably Ford's best electric car, and great value, too. It's our Deal of the Day for 24 May
