Home charging key to used electric car sales
Six out of 10 dealers believe funding for free or low-cost home chargers would be the most effective government boost to used electric car sales.
February’s Startline Used Car Tracker also found that 52% back low or zero interest loans, the same number support schemes to make charging available for those without space for a home charger and 50% back grants that reduce the purchase price.
Furthermore, 42% want to see subsidies on power to ensure low-cost home charging, and 23% believe the government should reverse its decision to introduce a pay-per-mile road tax for electric vehicles.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “With larger volumes of electric stock appearing on the market every day, there have been persistent demands from the motor trade for help from the government to support used electric car sales and we wanted to build a more detailed picture of which measures retailers thought would be effective.
“The top answer is a free charger and, at a typical cost of around £700-£1,500, this could prove to be a cost-effective solution. Of course, some targeted help is already available for charger fitting, but it is quite specific and not as generous. Plus, it doesn’t have the simple and effective appeal of knowing the government will supply your charger for nothing.
“There is also a wide range of support among dealers for other measures. Overall, the picture that emerges is they simply want help to make buying an electric car more financially attractive and charging it easier and lower cost.”
