Why many drivers are opting for hybrid amid concern over BEV costs

Driving trends

Many motorists are concerned by the perceived downsides of BEVs

Eddie Cunningham

Most people would prefer to buy a hybrid over the first six months of the year in the face of perceived downsides to buying a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

That emerges from a survey of 4,700 drivers by Easytrip, the smart mobility services specialist.

The survey found that nearly one in two drivers were interested in buying (up 14pc on last year).

More than a quarter (27pc) are considering a BEV, with the same percentage thinking of diesel and 14pc opting for petrol.

The survey also found that a reduction in BEV price, good public charging network, free home charge installation, a rise in the SEAI grant and a government scrappage scheme would influence their decision to buy electric.

Getting away from the decisions to be made about the source of fuel, other concerns for motorists include the increasing costs of fuel, poor road conditions, the cost of car insurance, traffic policing and incidents, NCT delays, service costs and motor tax costs.

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