Poll finds electric car 'confusion'

CONSUMER confusion is the main reason why electric car sales have failed to spark, according to a survey of motorists.

Lack of understanding about the practicalities of electric cars is deepest among those keen to buy one, the survey by market research company GfK Automotive found.

Just 8% of the 3,161 motorists polled said they would definitely or probably buy an electric car at some stage.

But the survey also showed that the vast majority of those planning a purchase underestimated the cost and the time it took to charge the vehicles, as well as overestimating their range.

Even with a Government grant of £5,000, some electric cars cost as much as £25,000.

But the poll found that 44% of those intending to buy one thought they cost the same, or less, than traditional cars.

Also, 60% of those planning a purchase reckoned they would only have to charge the cars for a maximum of two hours, when the real figure was closer to six hours.

In addition, 52% believed the cars could travel 200 miles between charging when the range is only about half that.

Of those not interested in buying, 75% were put off by the limited battery range, 63% were deterred by the price and 59% had fears about battery-charging times.

GfK Automotive managing director Francisco Lopez said: "For all the investment the Government and manufacturers have made in promoting electric cars, it is clear the public remain largely confused and, to a certain extent, uninformed about the specifics.

"If they are serious about transforming Britons into an electric motoring nation, one of the first things the Government and manufacturers can do is to ensure consumers are clear of their genuine benefits.

"Only when consumers have a good understanding of the practicalities of owning electric cars can they realistically be expected to start purchasing them."

By Peter Woodman, Press Association