Chinese automakers are boosting the number of electric cars available to UK drivers, as more drivers take interest in ditching petrol and diesel vehicles.
The latest AA UK EV Readiness Index shows that drivers are more receptive to electric vehicles than ever before, with a “readiness rating” of 60 out of 100.
This has been boosted by the impressive uptake of electric cars, with EV sales representing almost one in three new vehicles in August.
The AA stated that the readiness to adopt EVs has increased for the fourth consecutive quarter, based on purchase price, charging, running costs, insurance and maintenance.
The AA praised the boost in EV sales, but noted that this is still below the 33 per cent required under the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.
It outlines that 80 per cent of all car sales must be electric by 2030, before rising to 100 per cent in 2035, when only new ZEVs will be on sale.
AA President Edmund King OBE described the latest Readiness Index as a “significant milestone”, but warned that the ZEV mandate target needed to be realistic.
He said: “Whether the 2030 mandate remains at 80 per cent for cars and 70 per cent for vans or is adjusted, drivers and manufacturers need certainty and a clear direction of travel.
Chinese vehicles are helping UK drivers switch to electric cars by offering drivers a greater choice of EVs
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GETTY/JAECOO
“Ultimately, the transition will work when consumers want and are able to make the switch. That means affordable cars, reliable and convenient charging and incentives which give drivers confidence rather than confusion.”
Research shows that Chinese car brands have been crucial in boosting interest in electric vehicles, especially with many automakers launching in the UK in recent years.
In August, Chinese car brands captured almost 16 per cent of new vehicle sales in the UK, headlined by the likes of BYD, Jaecoo and Omoda.
This is almost three times higher than the 5.5 per cent market share seen a year earlier, highlighting the dramatic rise in uptake.
BYD and other Chinese brands have seen giant sales growth in recent years across Europe | BYDBased on around 10,600 responses from AA members, the attitude towards Chinese electric cars could be changing.
Two in five people between the ages of 18 and 24 said they would consider buying a Chinese car, compared with just 22 per cent of 65-74-year-olds.
Only three per cent of people believe that a vehicle would be handled better and more safely by a Chinese manufacturer than another brand, with data security being a particular concern.
Despite this, almost half (47 per cent) of respondents said competition between Chinese brands and established manufacturers would benefit drivers with a greater option of vehicles to choose from.
The Jaecoo 7 is the UK’s third best-selling car so far this year
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JAECOOAion, Changan, Chery, Geely, GWM, Jaecoo, Leapmotor, Omoda, Skywell and Xpeng are currently selling vehicles on the UK market, although several further brands are expected to join in the coming months.
Dean Keeling, AA managing director of Roadside Services, said China was a suitable example of how to increase uptake, especially when the government, manufacturers, infrastructure and consumers move in the same direction.
He added: “Having visited Auto China and manufacturing facilities in Beijing, the pace, scale and coordination of the Chinese automotive industry is both exciting and scary, depending on where you sit in the industry.
“The lesson for the UK isn’t simply to impose tougher sales targets. It is to create the conditions that make consumers want, and are able, to buy electric vehicles.”
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