A delay to the planned 2030 petrol and diesel car ban will give drivers some “breathing room” with major changes needed to boost interest in electric models.
Last September, Rishi Sunak made the decision to push back a new car sales ban to 2035 which left many in the motoring industry frustrated
However, Close Brothers Motor Finance feels the delay could help turn the tide with motorists still not convinced about switching to EVs.
A new poll from the group, seen exclusively by Express.co.uk, found that a whopping 18 percent of road users are still resistant to switching to electric and will continue to secure petrol or diesel vehicles.
Meanwhile, a further 19 percent have no intention of ever securing an electric model which could derail progress.
Lisa Watson, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, warned the delay could provide an opportunity to ensure technology is in place to encourage drivers to switch.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, she said: “The delayed ban of the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles provides some much-needed breathing room for the everyday motorist.
“In recent years they’ve had to contend with a number of pressures, including unpredictable fuel prices, the spiralling cost of car insurance and the government turning the screw on urban driving with schemes such as ULEZ.
“Our research shows that to make the eventual switch to electric vehicles as smooth as possible, motorists feel that time is needed for improvements in infrastructure and technology to take place.
“The Government needs to make sure that the additional time is utilised, and must match their ambition with necessary investment.”
According to the survey, almost one in three drivers feel the delay will allow for investment in better infrastructure and more charging points.
A staggering 27 percent feel the delay would mean upfront costs of electric models would come down, making them more affordable to the mass market.
Meanwhile, 23 percent believe the five-year pause will allow for energy costs to fall, making it even cheaper to run an EV.
Lisa added: “For now, it continues to be vital that motor dealers ensure they’re stocking the right cars to meet this growing change in demand, and in a new landscape of car ownership, continuing to utilise insights and tools to monitor trends will be important to ensuring their forecourts are best suited to consumer demand.”
