Youngsters ‘ready for switch to electric vehicles”

THE “green agenda” is radically influencing driving attitudes of young people aged 17 to 24, according to research by IAM RoadSmart ahead of the COP26 global climate conference being held in Scotland in November.

The ban of new petrol and diesel vehicle sales from 2030, and the absence of manual gearboxes in electric vehicles (EVs), prompted 61 per cent of the 1000 young drivers surveyed to tell the major UK road safety charity that they plan to apply for an automatic-only driving licence.

The eco-friendly view is also translating into expected buying behaviours, as 81 per cent stated they were likely to purchase an electric vehicle as their next car. Only five per cent declared they were very unlikely to purchase an EV.

The acceptance of electric mobility has charged ahead so much that 70 per cent of young people believed that EVs are simpler to charge, compared to filling a traditional fuel tank, citing similarities to charging a smart phone or tablet as well as safety concerns.

Interestingly, the survey also revealed more about the prospective car-buying habits of younger drivers, with 51 per cent saying that they will save the money and pay up front.

Meanwhile, 17 per cent stated they would use car finance and only 10 per cent were in favour of getting a bank loan.

IAM RoadSmart boss Neil Greig said: “Our research highlights how young people are being proactive, not reactive, to climate issues and the changes to the motoring industry set to come by 2030, which is great to see.

“What these figures demonstrate is that the traditional split between manual and automatic driving licences is becoming less and less relevant to modern motoring.

“It’s time that this artificial distinction was ditched as part of an overall review of learning to drive that prioritises experience in all traffic conditions over the type of gearbox you have.

“Until things change, however, young people need to be aware that manual driving licences will always open up a wider range of job opportunities for them, particularly as the country recovers from the pandemic.”