ULEZ could spark EV switch

Plans to expand the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) to cover most of the Greater London area could prompt 39.8% of car owners in London to make the switch to an electric vehicle.

Move Electric’s research of 384 Greater London residents who owned a car found 41.9% support the Mayor of London’s plans to expand the ULEZ boundary, set to commence in August 2023.

More than a quarter (27.6%) said their vehicle will not comply with ULEZ requirements, while 7.8% of drivers were not sure whether their vehicle was compliant. Of those with non-compliant vehicles, 78.3% said they do not support the suggested ULEZ expansion.

The research also found expanding ULEZ could prompt 38.5% of car owners in Greater London to sell their vehicle, with that figure rising to 79.3% among though those with non-compliant vehicles,  while 39.8% said the ULEZ expansion would make them more likely to consider an electric vehicle as their next car.

James Attwood, Move Electric editor, said: “The intent of ULEZ to deter drivers from using old, polluting vehicles and to decrease air pollution in the capital is clearly working as our research shows 39.8% of car owners in Greater London could make the switch to electric if the zone was to expand further next year.

“Alongside expanding the ULEZ, it is important London’s boroughs, and the whole of the UK, is ready to meet widespread EV adoption, with sufficient electric vehicle public charging infrastructure, as well as ensuring more investment is made towards greener transport methods such as cycleways and electric buses.”