Recent reports show that new car registrations reached their lowest level last year since 2013 and that, within those statistics, the demand for diesel fell by 22% when figures were compared with sales in 2018. Such figures seem to be pretty game changing. This was the third consecutive year of decline and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) suggest that they expect it to continue during 2020 too.

For us, this seems to suggest a change in consumer attitude towards car buying. Now, we’re not suggesting that it’s all attributed to EV’s but let’s take a look at the reasons why the great British car buying public are holding on to their well-earned cash when it comes to making car purchases.

Changes to emissions legislation

It’s fair to say that there have been a few challenges placed in front of the automotive industry as it strives to deal with new guidance and a global desire to make electric vehicles more mainstream, accessible and affordable. Confusion and red tape surrounding the changes to emissions legislation has undoubtedly led to uncertainty and a lack of willingness to commit to such a sizeable purchase and/or a monthly financial commitment. Coupled with added uncertainty regarding Brexit and it’s all been a perfect recipe for people just not wanting to decide on what new car they would like next.

And, then of course, it would be foolish not to add Electric Vehicles into the mix and the impact that they continue to have on the car buying public.

Electric vehicle sales

Statistics in this area of the market show that electric and hybrid sales rose by a fifth whilst the purchase of all electric vehicles were up 144%.

This could be attributed to greater awareness by consumers of what they actually are and how they work – lots of myths have been dispelled over the last twelve months – the public charging infrastructure continues to grow, it is easy to have a fast charger fitted at home now and the range of EV’s is increasing bringing more and more choice to the market for people.

Yet still, there is a kind of awe surrounding the entire EV market. Franz Von Holzhausen, Chief Designer at Tesla once commented; “We still see that people don’t really realise that electric cars are here right now. And when we show up with an actual vehicle, and you see it drive away under its own power, it’s still kind of a jaw-dropping moment for a lot of people.”

The future of electric cars

So, whilst there is still some educating to be done, we think 2020 could be the year that EV’s really start to break into the market as a tangible, mainstream choice. Tesla will release its Model Y, the first electric Mini will be let loose on our roads and the Volvo XC40 Recharge will become available, not to mention a plethora of other small to mid-size vehicles from the likes of VW, Skoda and Seat.

As the car buying public starts to get its head round EV’s and confidence grows as to the ranges they can do and where it can be charged when you are out and about and at home, we think a new-found confidence will return to the UK car market.

And, that confidence will be a change in the vehicles we buy and the way we fuel them. We think the future is electric and we’re proud to be part of it.