Aftermarket October 2022

W hile EVs continue to grow in popularity, with battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales seeing a 14.6% increase in June alone according to the figures from the SMMT, there is growing evidence that motorists are still unclear about the benefits, even as they make the jump. Meanwhile, the increasing number of EVs needing to be repairs means louder calls for clear across-the-board standards for businesses to follow Survey: Education on EVs still needed Just 8% of motorists realise there is a difference between EV tyres designed to carry the heavier load and standard tyres, according to a new survey. 2,000 Bridgestone customers were questioned in its YouGov- commissioned research, and according to Bridgestone’s North Region Vice President Andrea Manenti, the fact that so few motorists realise that even tyres are EV-specific means more education and communication needs to take place: “What’s clear from our survey is that very few motorists are aware that there are tyres specifically designed for electric vehicles and even fewer know the benefits of them. While 47% want to change to save on fuel, many of them run the risk of eating into these savings by making more trips to the garage to replace their tyres over a longer term.” 60 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2022 EVS AND HYBRIDS www.aftermarketonline.net FOLLOW THE LEADER EVs may be growing in popularity as we inch closer to 2030, but that does not mean all motorists understand what they are buying into EV driver confusion on smart charging 44% of current and potential EV owners were not sure about the definition of smart charging, just before new smart charging legislation came into force, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by EV charging platform Monta. The new legislation in the UK necessitates new charge points being capable of smart charging and charging during off-peak hours by default. An 18-month smart charging trial by Electric Nation among 700 EV drivers showed a jump in electricity demand at 10pm as charge points came online after peak hours. As a result, the new legislation also entails a random delay at start of charge. 62% of respondents could say that smart charging is better for the national grid, while 67% knew that smart charging timetables charges for periods when there are more renewables, a lower cost, and less CO2 emissions. Commenting on the survey, Monta UK Country Manager Alok Dubey said: “The survey shows there is still a lot of confusion among UK drivers, with many still wondering how the new smart charging legislation will affect them. The government should be promoting and celebrating this legislation, but it needs to do more to spell out the changes. The move towards standardised smart charging is great for UK EV drivers, as it means their charges have even less impact on the environment and their wallets. We’re supportive of smart charging, but right now, without any real clarification, many are going to be left confused as to why they can’t charge their own vehicle as standard at 5pm.” He added: “It’s not just drivers either. Charge point manufacturers and installers have had to rush to get equipment ready for the changes, but progress for a lot of them has been stalled with supply chain issues, operating costs, and staffing shortages. This legislation is designed to make the EV rollout easier, but right now it’s just causing uncertainty.” EV interest surges as fuel prices hit new highs With the costs of filling the fuel tank of an average family car with 55 litres of petrol exceeding more than £100 for the first time, interest in EVs went up 113% in the first two weeks of June, according to research from Forbes Advisor. Analysts at the price comparison and financial guidance platform used Google Trends data for to find the more-than doubling in interest between 1-14 June. Commenting on the research, Laura Howard, Motoring Expert at Forbes Advisor, observed: “We’re deep in a cost of living crisis, and paying £100 to fill up the tank with petrol or diesel is beyond affordable for many families already struggling with energy bills and rampant inflation.