Major used car concern affecting most Britons could end under new driving law plans
Major updates to second-hand vehicle sales could be adopted within months if Labour win the General Election this summer.
New driving law plans could solve an issue affecting two-thirds of UK motorists in a major change to electric vehicles.
The Labour Party Manifesto has pledged to standardise information supplied on the condition of batteries.
The party feels this will help support the take-up of second-hand electric vehicles with many citing concerns.
According to Electrifying.com, a staggering two-thirds of those polled admitted worries around battery life was one of the biggest reasons for not making the transition to cleaner vehicles.
The plan was backed by the motoring industry with many stressing the concept could boost interest in electric vehicle sales.
Ginny Buckley, Founder and CEO of Electrifying.com, explained: “Equally welcome is the promise to standardise the information on the condition of EV batteries, as we know their longevity is a key concern for car buyers.
“In a recent Electrifying.com survey of over 11,000 drivers, nine out of 10 told us they lacked confidence in buying a used EV, with two-thirds citing uncertainty around the life of the battery as the main reason.
“This clearly needs to be addressed to enable consumers to make the switch to a more affordable used electric car, helping to ensure that nobody is left behind in the EV transition.”
Last year, the Green Finance Institute stressed battery health was the single biggest barrier to unlocking second-hand electric vehicle sales.
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Their research found that a staggering 62 percent of motorists who wouldn't buy an electric car said concerns around battery lifespan were the reason.
Meanwhile, nearly three-quarters of the 21 dealerships polled admitted that battery problems were among consumers' top barriers.
It means the fear of motorists receiving poor-quality batteries was possibly holding back more used EVs from being sold.
Others in the motoring industry appeared in Labour’s plan suggesting the move would help “reassure” customers before making a purchase.
Ian Plummer, commercial director at AutoTrader, the leading new and used car marketplace online, said: “We also welcome the broader commitments to standardise battery information to reassure buyers, given battery health worries are proving a blocker for some consumers considering making the switch.”
Matt Finch, UK Policy Manager at Transport & Environment, admitted the policy would help consumers “embrace the future”.
He added: “Commitments to restoring the 2030 phase out on new petrol and diesel cars, tackling the issues holding the UK’s charging network back from scaling up, and supporting second-hand EV buyers with standardised information on battery health will make people more confident in switching to an EV and embracing the future of UK road transport.”
