Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing a potential backlash from motorists as a new tax announced in the Labour Party's Autumn Budget threatens to derail the UK's transition to electric vehicles.
A startling new survey reveals that two in five drivers would reconsider switching to an electric car if new taxes were introduced, raising fears that government policy could push people back towards petrol and diesel vehicles.
Pay-Per-Mile Proposal Alarms EV Drivers
The research, conducted by Saga Car Insurance among 1,000 Britons, highlights significant concerns about the proposed 3p per mile charge for electric vehicles. Nearly half of respondents (46%) fear this charge would eliminate the cost advantage of EVs, making them more expensive to run than their fossil fuel counterparts.
John Wilmot, founder and CEO of LeaseLoco.com, emphasised that one of the major benefits of driving an electric vehicle was that it was "far cheaper to run than a petrol or diesel car". He warned: "We want people to switch to electric cars, but they're dealing with limited charging infrastructure and other rising costs, which can leave them questioning whether it's even worth it."
Winter Worries Compound Tax Concerns
The tax concerns coincide with widespread misconceptions about electric vehicle performance in colder months. The Saga survey found that almost a third (32%) of EV drivers are unaware that battery range can drop by up to 20% in winter.
Despite rising EV ownership, with approximately 1.4 million fully electric cars on UK roads in 2024, anxiety persists among drivers. Over a third (37%) admit they worry about running out of charge during colder months, while 23% fear that low temperatures could damage their vehicle's battery.
Ali Ingram-Seal from Saga noted that "knowing how and where to charge your EV can make a big difference to driver confidence, particularly when temperatures drop."
Misconceptions Threaten EV Adoption
The research uncovered several persistent myths that could hinder electric vehicle adoption. While cold weather can reduce range, it doesn't damage modern EV batteries. However, 20% of Brits believe EVs are less reliable than petrol or diesel cars in winter, and 37% admit they're unsure how EVs perform in the cold.
With only 11% of surveyed drivers believing electric vehicles will maintain their cost advantage over conventional cars, the combination of new taxes and misinformation presents a significant challenge to the UK's green transport ambitions.
