The price of electric vehicles is still proving a speed bump in , a report has found, and government rebates may not be enough to prompt people into paying the premium to get one.
Research by Pureprofile, released on Wednesday, did find a greater number of ns intend to buy low-emission vehicles in the next five years, and those who already drive an electric car intend to buy another in future.
The research comes a month after the federal government introduced laws intended to broaden the supply of electric vehicles in , and figures showed electric cars make up almost 10 per cent of new car purchases.
Pureprofile’s latest electric vehicle study surveyed more than 2,000 ns and more than 1,000 New Zealanders.
It found more than half of n drivers intend to purchase a new car in the next year, with 30 per cent planning to buy an electric model, 20 per cent shopping for a hybrid car, and the other half sticking with petrol vehicles.
Research by Pureprofile found more than half of n drivers intend to purchase a new car in the next year, with 30 per cent planning to buy an electric model (stock image)
The biggest reasons behind electric car purchases, the study said, are potential fuel savings, environmental benefits and energy efficiency, as well as the ability to use solar power to fuel travel.
However, the report also found the rising cost of living and high purchase prices for electric cars were drawbacks, and that government rebates would not be enough to change people’s minds on that.
Just 15 per cent of ns said government rebates would motivate them to purchase an electric car, and 37 per cent of that group said they would still purchase an EV even if the rebate was taken away.
Pureprofile Asia Pacific managing director Anna Meiler said the finding could encourage state governments to consider new ways to inform and motivate motorists.
‘People do not seem to be factoring government rebates into their EV decisions but this might be a result of several EV schemes ending in some n states,’ she said.
‘This leaves some potential for more creative motivation avenues, such as community or business EV share schemes that encourage people to experience EV ownership without the full financial commitment.’
The study found cost of living pressures and high purchase prices of EV models are deterring motorists from making the switch to an electric car
Victoria, NSW and South have removed financial rebates on the purchase of electric vehicles, though incentives remain in Queensland, Western and Tasmania.
The Pureprofile research also found motorists who had purchased an electric vehicle did not regret their decision, and 94 per cent would buy an EV for their next car.
The federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, which will come into force in January will incentivize manufacturers to make a greater share of their stock electric.
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