6.5 millions electric vehicles were sold globally in 2021, with EVs representing 9% of all new car sales during this period. Despite these respectable global sales figures, the global pace of the transition to electric transport is uneven.

From next month, Italian car manufacturer Fiat will only sell electric or hybrid cars in the UK. The move follows Fiat releasing its new 500X and Tipo Hybrid in February 2022. This milestone is a step towards a set of targets outlined by Stellantis, Fiat’s parent company, in its 2021 financial report. Stellantis stated aim is for Fiat’s European range to be fully electrified by 2027, and for all vehicles it sells globally to be electric by 2030. The UK government has said it wants to end sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, with hybrids phased out from 2035.

In a world where 51% of any given group is required to initiate change - we are still a long way away from EVs being the default perception of the automobile. With a current total market share of just 1.1% EV, is the “electric revolution” just a techy fad?

At New AutoMotive, we would like to reframe this narrative.

Supported by a coalition including New AutoMotive, EVA England and Octopus Energy I spoke to over 40 EV drivers of different ages and professional backgrounds from all over the UK.

My research showed that people buy and run EVs for a combination of rational and emotional reasons…