UK: 67% of drivers would consider a plug-in vehicle as their next car

New research released today by joint industry/government fundedGo Ultra Low has found that the majority of car buyers aspire to own high-tech, low-emission electric vehicles to score social points over their neighbours and peers.

For 100 years¹, the phrase ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ has referenced the kind of lifestyle that the middle classes aspire to. Now, with new car registrations hitting a 10-year high, it is clear that many UK drivers aspire to the cost benefits, style and convenience of electric motoring.

The study² by Go Ultra Low shows that the concept of ’keeping up with the Joneses’ is alive and well across the UK, with middle-class people named Jones leading the way for the nation’s car buying preferences.

When questioned, respondents with the surname Jones proved to be at the forefront of ‘green’ motoring, with 77% of the group identifying alternatively-fuelled vehicles as a purchase consideration versus 67% of the wider population. The fact that ultra low emission motoring is possible from just 2p–per- mile resonates very strongly with the Joneses, with 88% of them saying it’s a compelling offer.

Three quarters of motorists said that running costs were the biggest consideration when choosing their next car, making the argument for switching to ultra low emission vehicles even more compelling.

Hetal Shah, Head of Go Ultra Low, said: “Our research shows that, after purchase price, the top things motorists look for in a new car are affordable running costs, comfort, space and style. The huge variety of electric vehicles now on the market is changing motorists’ concept of desirability, with the majority of consumers surveyed aspiring to the new breed of quiet, refined, technology-packed plug-in vehicles. We’re confident that this year alone we’ll see thousands more motorists up and down Britain plugging-in to this growing trend.”

Go Ultra Low exists to help motorists understand the benefits, cost savings and capabilities of the wide range of ultra low emission vehicles on the market. The collaborative campaign is the first of its kind, bringing together a consortium of leading car manufacturers: Audi, BMW, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, Toyota, and Volkswagen, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the government. Find out more atwww.GoUltraLow.com.

The research, conducted nationwide, also showed that the Joneses are more likely to possess certain characteristics than their contemporaries with different surnames. For example, while just 8% of the wider country claim to drink prosecco in bars and pubs, nearly double (14%) those named Jones say the same. Furthermore, Joneses are more likely to listen to rock music (23% vs. 17%), practise yoga (11% vs. 6%), wear cashmere clothes (18% vs. 14%) and play team sports (15% vs. 10%).

Notes

¹The phrase ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ originated with Arthur (Pop) Momand’s Keep Up With The Joneses comic strip in the New York Globe. The strip was first published in 1913 and quickly became popular. By September 1915, a cartoon film of the same name was touring US cinemas. (Source: phrases.org.uk)

²Go Ultra Low commissioned Censuswide to speak to 200 middle class (ABC1) adults with the surname Jones in the UK, and 1,000 additional middle class (ABC1) people across the UK to provide a benchmark of wider society. Both surveys included exactly the same questions and were conducted between April 2015 and May 2015.

About Go Ultra Low

The Go Ultra Low campaign aims to increase purchase consideration of ultra low emission vehicles by helping motorists understand the benefits, cost savings and capabilities of the wide range of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) on the market. The campaign aims to educate the public and fleet audiences about plug-in vehicles by addressing outdated myths and highlighting benefits, including how they offer competitive practicality for both private and business users.

Goultralow.com provides a one-stop shop for information about owning and running ultra-low emission vehicles, the makes and models available and the locations of the thousands of publicly available charge points.