A new survey conducted for CTEK by Find Out Now has revealed a significant divide among UK hybrid drivers. According to the findings from a poll of more than 1,000 UK drivers, hybrid drivers who currently plug in to charge their vehicles are almost certain to stick with a plug-in option for their next car. In stark contrast, a majority of hybrid owners who cannot plug in will likely stick with self-charging hybrids (HEVs).
The Great Hybrid Divide
The survey found that zero percent of today’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivers said their next vehicle would be a self-charging hybrid. Instead, more than half (52%) of PHEV drivers plan to get another PHEV, while a full third (33%) will make the switch to a fully battery electric vehicle (BEV). This highlights the value PHEV drivers place on the ability to power their driving from the grid.
Conversely, today’s drivers of self-charging hybrids are more than likely to stick to their current type of vehicle, with 52% planning to get another HEV next. The lure of a full BEV is not as strong, as only 14% will make the change to fully electric mobility. A similar number (13%) will add the ability to plug in when they get their next hybrid. Notably, 18% of self-charging hybrid drivers remain undecided, suggesting they are not fully committed and may be open to new options.
A Call for More Public Charging
According to Daniel Forsberg, Marketing Manager EVSE at CTEK, the findings are clear. “For many plug-in hybrid drivers, the ability to charge the car’s battery by plugging in is clearly valued,” he said. “Whether they will stick with a PHEV next or go fully BEV, powering at least some of their driving from the grid is very much part of the attraction of electric mobility.“
Furthermore, Forsberg stressed that charging providers, including destinations and local authorities, must invest in additional public charging provision. This is essential to serve and encourage UK drivers as they consider their next car purchase.
Gender and Age: The Unplugged Gap
The survey also revealed a notable gender divide. Male hybrid drivers are more likely than their female counterparts to switch to a BEV (20% versus 14%) or a PHEV (27% versus 12%). Conversely, female hybrid drivers (47%) are more likely to foresee themselves driving a self-charging hybrid next, leading their male counterparts.
Age also plays a role in the decision-making process. The most likely age group to switch to a BEV is 30-39 year olds (36%). Meanwhile, the older age group of 55+ sees themselves driving a self-charging hybrid next, with more than 50% choosing this option.
“These results suggest there is still an education gap to be filled,” Forsberg added. He pointed out that female drivers of hybrids lag behind their male counterparts in not seeking to plug-in. Communicating the environmental and financial benefits of plugging in could help boost the UK’s transition to e-mobility.
