A new initiative designed to tackle misinformation surrounding electric vehicles (EVs) has been launched by Auto Trader, ChargeUK and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The group has created a collection of user-friendly, simplified facts that aim to provide a more balanced, data-driven view of the reality of owning and driving electric cars.

THE Electric Vehicle Facts clarify points such as that electric cars are more environmentally friendly, are no more likely to catch fire than an internal combustion engine (ICE) car, and that electric range and availability of charging points are better than some might think.

Data points will be regularly reviewed and updated, with new versions published where necessary, and the information has been approved by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Future Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “It is essential to ensure consumers have clear and accurate information when deciding what type of car to buy.

“This industry work is absolutely essential to building driver confidence in zero-emission vehicles, and I’m happy to support it.”

In February, the The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee has published a report entitled ‘Electric vehicle strategy: fast charging is needed’ – highlighting the confusing messages circulating in the media regarding electric vehicles and calling for “an essential source of complete, clear and balanced information so that (consumers) can make informed decisions about their vehicles”.

Further research, carried out by Auto Trader in April this year, showed that false truths repeated across various media sources were impacting consumer confidence in electric cars, with 72% of consumers aware of the false narrative that “electric cars catch fire” and 44% wrongly believing this to be the case. true – which made them less likely to go electric.

Similarly, 70% have heard that “electric vehicles are not cheaper to run,” and 33% agree that they think this is true, and that it makes them less likely to buy an electric car.

Erin Baker, editorial director of Auto Trader, said: “Electrification is a significant change and with change comes uncertainty and confusion. That’s why we’re trying to share more balanced, fact-based stories with retailers and consumers to give everyone confidence. to navigate their electric journey.

“It often comes down to fear of the unknown and this is evident when consumers tell us how much they love their electric cars.

“We encourage anyone unsure about electric vehicles to do their own research with unbiased, factual content – ​​or better yet, why not find an electric car driver and chat with them. And if you haven’t driven one yet, do so, they truly are a game changer when it comes to cars. »

While the fleet market has seen electric vehicle registrations reach record levels thanks to attractive tax rates on company vehicles, retail sentiment shows a significant lack of confidence in stocking and selling electric vehicles , with the share of retailers stocking electric cars on Auto Trader stagnating at around 35%. % in 2023 and 2024, contrasting with a previous significant year-over-year jump (57%) in 2022.

A separate study from Auto Trader shows that 46% of retailers believe that a lack of consumer confidence in the technology is a significant barrier to adoption.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: “Thanks to investment from manufacturers, drivers have a huge choice of electric vehicle models, and choosing the one that best meets their needs depends on facts, not decisions. fiction.

“More than a million motorists have already gone electric and have been delighted with their decision, many benefiting from reduced running costs, a great driving experience and a reduced carbon footprint .

“But making the switch can be daunting for some, given the need to consider charging as well as driving so that a single source of truth can avoid confusion. And that truth is that now is the time to go electric.

With the availability of public charging points cited as a barrier to electric vehicle adoption, Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, says a new charger is buried every 25 minutes on average, and its members are pledging to spend at least £6 billion. until 2030 to ensure infrastructure stays ahead of demand.

However, she added: “Our job is not just about providing the infrastructure, we need to challenge the myths and misconceptions that prevent some drivers from adopting electric vehicles.

“Not least because the research suggests they’re missing out – according to Auto Trader’s findings, more than eight in ten e-drivers say they would never go back, and the vast majority report a seamless charging experience.

“Clear, concise and accurate information is essential to help more people understand what switching to an electric vehicle entails and why there is no need to hold back.

“It’s great to see a range of organizations coming together to ensure consumers have access to easy-to-digest information and ChargeUK is proud to have contributed to this work.”