Maria Bengtsson, Head of Mobility at EY UK, highlighted the need for collective action to overcome the barriers to EV adoption:
“EY’s latest Mobility Consumer Index indicates the UK is making inroads with its EV transition.
However, there is room for improvement to ensure a smooth and effective transition while minimising teething problems. Policymakers must work closely with manufacturers and retailers to help improve perceptions further around all-electric vehicles.”
Maria further pointed out the urgency for automakers to meet the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which requires at least 22% of their 2024 sales to be zero-emission vehicles. The current BEV market share of 17.8% indicates a need for accelerated efforts to reach compliance.
Dealerships still crucial to the buying experience
Despite the rise of online shopping, physical dealerships remain a critical part of the vehicle purchase experience in the UK. According to the survey:
- 55% of respondents prefer to buy a new car from a dealership or showroom.
- 49% prefer dealerships for used car purchases.
- 33% are open to buying vehicles online, while 14% said they would consider all available options.
The data highlights the continued importance of both physical and digital retail experiences in meeting consumer expectations.
The UK is witnessing a significant shift in consumer sentiment toward electric vehicles, driven by environmental concerns and economic factors.
While there are still hurdles to overcome, including cost and infrastructure challenges, collaboration among industry stakeholders and focusing on consumer incentives could accelerate this transition. With a balanced approach to traditional and digital sales channels, the UK’s journey towards a greener automotive future looks promising.
