Government uncertainty surrounding the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is directly dampening consumer appetite for electric vehicles, according to new research tracking national car-buying intentions.
A study conducted for fast-fit operator Kwik Fit revealed that 30% of UK motorists who were planning to buy an electric vehicle say the government’s decision to consult on reviewing the mandate has made them less likely to make the switch.
The hesitation extends to existing adopters, with a quarter (25%) of current EV drivers admitting the policy consultation has weakened their commitment to choosing another battery-electric model next time around.
Under current regulations, the ZEV mandate requires 80% of new car sales to be zero-emission by 2030, rising to 100% by 2035.
However, ongoing government reviews into the trajectory and phasing of the framework have introduced market hesitation just as buyer intent was projected to accelerate.
Overall, motorists remain split over statutory targets, with 36% backing the current mandate schedule and 29% disagreeing.
Support is significantly higher among existing EV drivers, where 56% want Westminster to maintain the timeline.
Buying intentions vs aftermarket reality
Despite policy headwinds, the study suggests that the proportion of EV drivers on UK roads could more than double over the next replacement cycle.
Currently, 7% of surveyed drivers report owning a battery electric vehicle, but 18% state that their next purchase will be an EV.
In contrast, appetite for conventional internal combustion power is contracting; while 59% of respondents currently drive petrol cars, only 30% plan to buy petrol next.
Diesel intent has fallen to 6%, down from a current ownership level of 17%.
In total, 67% of motorists plan to change their vehicle, with an average horizon of 22 months.
For the 31% aiming to switch within the next 12 months, 54% intend to opt for an electrified model (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV), with 27% targeting pure electric.
The figures highlight a dual operational challenge for independent workshops: while consumer intent indicates an expanding electrified car parc over the next three to five years, 82% of all drivers are still not opting for a battery-electric vehicle on their next change, leaving petrol, diesel, and self-charging hybrids as the primary workshop workload well into the next decade.
Range limitations remain the single biggest barrier to EV uptake, cited by 35% of hesitant drivers, though this has fallen from 41% recorded in 2023.
However, practical charging infrastructure concerns have surged. Inability to charge an EV at home is now the second most common barrier (35%), climbing from sixth position in last year’s tracker.
Commenting on the market data, Dan Joyce, Operations Director at Kwik Fit, said: “It is vital that the ZEV Mandate phasing treads the right balance between encouraging the transition to low emissions and the practicalities vehicle manufacturers face.
“However, it’s notable that any potential changes have a clear risk of creating uncertainty among drivers.
“Whatever the powertrain choice of an individual driver we know that UK roads will contain a wide mix for the foreseeable future and all those drivers need to be supported.”
The government consultation on the ZEV mandate remains open, with the automotive sector awaiting clarity on whether transitional targets for vehicle manufacturers will be amended.
What do you think? Are your customers expressing hesitation over electric vehicles due to shifting government policy, or is hybrid remaining the real-world compromise in your area?
