A third of UK drivers are ready to switch to electric vehicles, with government grants emerging as a key factor in boosting adoption, according to a new study commissioned by Renault.
The survey found that 54% of respondents in London would consider buying a battery-powered car following the launch of the Electric Car Grant (ECG) earlier this summer.
Younger adults aged 17 to 34 were significantly more likely to consider replacing petrol cars within two years, while only 27% of respondents aged 55 and older said they might do so.
On the dealer side, 48% of respondents said the ECG could meaningfully drive EV sales, though 28% expressed concern that it might dampen demand in the used EV market.
The study also highlighted gender differences, with 63% of men and 46% of women open to purchasing an EV within two years. Women placed more emphasis on affordability and the availability of used EVs when making purchasing decisions.
Renault said the findings come as it prepares to open a showroom dedicated to electric vehicles. The company currently offers four EV models that qualify for the government’s ECG program.
