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One in four UK drivers plan to opt for a hybrid car as their next vehicle purchase, according to research conducted for Close Brothers Motor Finance’s upcoming Britain Under the Bonnet Report.
The research found that just 22% of drivers will purchase a petrol vehicle – down from 37% last year. When it comes to electric cars, 13% will choose plug-in electric, and 12% battery electric. Diesel continues to decline in popularity with just 8% stating they will choose a diesel car.
The research also looked at what features consumers want from their chosen vehicle. Price is the main driver across all vehicle types at 48%, followed by how economical it is to run at 47%, and the impact on the environment (40%).
Seán Kemple, Managing Director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “The news headlines have been fuelled by manufacturers making bold claims about their plans for a greener future, with Jaguar Land Rover and Ford being just some of the latest cars makers to confirm the end of petrol and diesel models. Throw into the mix the Government’s ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars being brought forward to 2030, it’s no surprise motorists are turning away from these engine types, and as our research shows, opting for hybrid models instead.
“While hybrids and AFVs are getting more popular, there are significant concerns that must be addressed for more motorists to opt to make the switch. We are still languishing in the tens of thousands of much needed electric car charging points – we need to get to 2 million to meet the ambitious 2030 goals. Coupled with the Government cutting grants for electric car buyers, the industry is at risk of not going in the right direction. We’re less than a decade away before the ban, so time really is of the essence.”
