More than half of young and prospective drivers aged 17 to 20 would like their first car to be electric, according to new research commissioned by E.ON Next.
The survey of 1,500 people found that 55% want an electric vehicle (EV) as their first car, while 23% believe owning a petrol car is as outdated as using a landline.
The findings suggest that young drivers choosing electric cars may increasingly expect their driving lessons to prepare them for vehicles with different controls, characteristics and energy requirements.
Cost and convenience influence attitudes
Low day-to-day running costs were cited by 20% of respondents as a reason for wanting an EV. The ability to charge at home appealed to 19%, while 18% liked the prospect of making fewer visits to petrol stations.
E.ON Next claimed that new drivers could save up to £890 during their first year by using an EV and charging at home through its Next Drive Smart tariff. However, actual savings will depend on the vehicle, mileage, electricity tariff and access to domestic charging.
The research also found:
- 21% could not see themselves ever driving a petrol car
- 63% expected petrol and diesel cars to disappear during their lifetime
- 24% would not buy a new petrol or diesel vehicle
- 53% believed theirs would be the last generation routinely to drive petrol and diesel cars
- 36% described petrol cars as old-fashioned
What this means for driver trainers
Growing interest in EVs is likely to make electric and automatic vehicle knowledge an increasingly important part of driver and rider training.
Whether lessons take place in an electric vehicle or a conventional petrol or diesel car, trainers can help learners understand subjects including:
- Regenerative braking and how it can affect deceleration
- Instant torque and smooth accelerator use
- Vehicle range and journey planning
- Safe charging practices
- The effect of weather, speed and heating on energy consumption
- Pedestrian awareness at low speeds
- Differences between EV models and driver assistance systems
Learners should also understand that the basic principles of safe driving remain the same, regardless of how a vehicle is powered. Effective observation, speed management, anticipation and sound decision-making continue to be fundamental.
EV expert Robert Llewellyn said younger motorists were no longer automatically assuming that their first vehicle would run on petrol. Instead, they were considering the wider choice of electric models, the growing used market and the potential savings available through home charging.
Sourced via: Daily Mail
