36% of British motorists have revealed they plan to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle as their next car, according to new research by Siemens.
London is leading the change in transportation, with 14% of motorists revealing they already own an electric vehicle or hybrid car, with Wales right behind them at 9%.
North West is showing the biggest desire to change with almost 42% of respondents revealing they are planning to buy an electric vehicle or hybrid as their next purchase.
53% of Londoners admit it is ‘very important’ to them that air quality in their local area is improved, with 63% noting they’ve become more concerned about their environmental impact in the past five years.
Wales shares this concern with 38% citing improved air quality is important, followed by Northern Ireland at 37%.
As awareness continues to rise around environmental issues and sustainability, 53% believe that electric vehicles and hybrids are the future of personal transport, with Gen Y showing most concern for their carbon footprint when it comes to driving.
51% of those aged 18-24 revealed they’re concerned about the impact their driving has on the environment, compared to just 33% of Gen X and just 8% for Baby boomers.
As 40% admit lack of charging points was the biggest factor stopping them from buying an electric vehicle or hybrid sooner, Siemens reveals its plans to power the UK’s roads and fleets, and has already converted around 1,000 lampposts in the majority of London boroughs to provide electric vehicle charger points in partnership with ubitricity.
Currently, motorists guessed there were only between 100-200 charging points in London, with just 10% of the actual figure of Siemens installations and 27% believed there were no charge points near their home or workplace.
Additionally, 36% noted concerns that there would not be enough battery for their travel requirements, believing that electric vehicles and hybrids take over seven hours to charge, when in fact just one charging session with a Siemens SiCharge AC22 could top up a car for a month or longer.
Bernard Magee, Sales Director of Future Grid from Siemens commented on the research, saying: “This research has highlighted just how eager British motorists are to reduce the impact their driving has on the environment, help reduce emissions and strive for cleaner air.
“Our partnership with ubitricity to convert lampposts into electric vehicles and hybrid chargers is one of many initiatives Siemens is undertaking to help futureproof our roads and help drivers make better choices when it comes to travel.”
