Europcar Electric Vehicle Barometer reveals flatlining interest
The latest Europcar Electric Vehicle Barometer has revealed that business drivers are no less likely to go electric than they were a year ago.
It found that nearly 41% of respondents cited purchase, maintenance and finance costs as a barrier to their business going electric.
Charging concerns held back a further 29% of businesses, while a lack of understanding about electric vehicle ownership rose from 15% in the second quarter of the year to 19% in the third quarter.
Tom Middleditch, head of B2B marketing and sustainability at Europcar, said: “It’s sobering to see that despite the undoubted rise in the profile of electric vehicles over this year, business drivers believe concerns around cost and charging infrastructure remain the major barriers for EV adoption.
“And it seems that a lack of EV knowledge is still hampering eco-ambitions. With employee and employer uncertainty and lack of knowledge, as well as the financial investment required to purchase or lease electric vehicles, businesses are understandably hesitant.
“Flexible rental of electric cars and vans allows businesses and drivers to experience vehicles in real working conditions without making longer-term fleet commitments. And in our experience, when drivers get behind the wheel of an EV, they quickly find it easier, more enjoyable and more practical than they previously expected.”
