Charge point installer Smart Home Charge conducted a survey that suggests a Government scrappage scheme would encourage drivers to switch to an electric car. The survey explored lockdown driving habits and attitudes in the UK.
According to the survey, 50.4% of respondents said they would be more likely to switch to electric with a Government scrappage scheme in place. This may have been influenced by the change in air quality during lockdown, as 97% of respondents said they had noticed a positive effect as cars stayed off roads.
Rumours have been circulating that the Government is poised to announce a scrappage scheme to help the UK’s automotive industry, and push drivers towards zero-emission vehicles. In 2009 the UK introduced a similar scrappage scheme, which aimed to replace up to 300,000 cars with more environmentally friendly vehicles. The UK Government agreed to provide a £1,000 payment towards the purchase of a new car, and later in 2010, the Government introduced the Plug-in Car Grant we know today.
It’s evident that the lockdown in the UK has allowed a peek into a cleaner future. The nationwide survey showed that almost all respondents noticed less congestion and noise pollution (99.3% and 88.3% respectively). Also, 72.5% of respondents said that air quality was “very important” to them.
A scrappage scheme could encourage electric car ownership and push for the cleaner air 97% of survey takers noticed, and presumably enjoyed, during lockdown. Of the respondents, 66% of the respondents said they would get a fully electric car to help improve local air quality, among other options that included walking, cycling, car sharing and plug-in hybrids.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the UK government is considering to offer car buyers discounts of up to £6000, to scrap a petrol or diesel car in favour of a new electric or hybrid model.
Lock down surely had many negatives, but strangely enough it gave a glimpse into a greener future. The electric vehicle industry is growing, and we may see even more growth as government schemes and drivers strive for cleaner and better air.