Aftermarket July/August 2022 Issue

S urveys can tell you a lot of things, but they only show what those who were questioned really think. With this in mind, a number of recent studies have offered a range of views on the EV question. 42% of learner drivers would favour an EV or hybrid as their first car, a YouGov survey commissioned by The Motor Ombudsman recently revealed. 26% of those questioned would go for a full EV, with 16% likely to opt for a part-electric or hybrid. Only 21% said they want a petrol car once they pass their test, with just 6% saying they would want a diesel. The final 30% were undecided. The findings were published to commemorate the launch of The Motor Ombudsman’s Second Edition of its #JustPassed downloadable booklet, which covers key considerations for new drivers when looking to buy their first car, or when needing to get it serviced. On servicing, 76% said that they were familiar with these parts of routine vehicle maintenance. On the need to get an MOT once a vehicle reaches three years of age, 77% of participants said they were aware with this legal requirement. Commenting on the results Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of the Motor Ombudsman Bill Fennell said: “With the nation’s appetite for zero emission motoring growing, and the green agenda becoming ever more prominent in the buying habits of consumers, it is interesting to see that a large proportion of existing and prospective learner drivers are set to follow suit when they get the keys to their own car.” Bill added: “Since publishing our #JustPassed guide a few years ago, the automotive industry, technology, as well as the types of vehicles available to today’s buyers, have all 62 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2022 TECHNICAL/EVS AND HYBRIDS www.aftermarketonline.net A rapidly changing economic picture means that some drivers are starting to see the potential EV benefits, but not everyone is convinced evolved. We therefore wanted to bring the online booklet up to date to reflect the current landscape, and to provide a more comprehensive resource for individuals when looking to make a decision as to what first car to buy, and where to get it serviced.” To view and download The Motor Ombudsman’s #JustPassed guide for new drivers, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/consumers/new-driver- guide Priced off the road? Drivers wary about cost of EVs 47% of drivers that took part in a recent survey said they did not think an electric car was affordable for them, rising to 50% of over-55s, compared to 37% of under-34s. The survey, commissioned by GAP insurance provider InsuretheGap and carried out by Opinium, found that 35% were concerned that the shift to EVs would price them off the road entirely, rising to 37% of over-55s, compared to 34% of under-34s. 79% also said the government grant, currently worth up to £1,500 is not enough to help them make the switch. This rose to 85% of over-55s agree, compared to 69% of under-34s. 75% said they don’t trust the government to not make electric motoring more expensive in the future, rising to 85% of over-55s, compared to 69% of under-34s.40% believed the UK is a postcode lottery when it comes to charging points, rising to 48% of over-55s, compared to 29% of under-34s. 75% also said it is unfair that people without a home electric charger could end up paying more at public charging points. 36% believe there should be electric charging points at workplaces, while 41% do not want to wait around in public places, like motorway service LIES, VAN LIES AND EV STATISTICS