Calls have been made for the government to scrap VAT on electric cars in a bid to encourage more drivers to make the switch to EVs.
Motoring services firm the AA polled its members to find that 61 per cent would view such a move to be ‘influential’ in moving away from internal combustion engines.
Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “The UK car park needs a shock to the system. Eight out of 10 drivers say improving air quality is important to them, but they are confused by current policies and as such many have stuck with older, more polluting cars.”
In terms of age groups, of the over 65s polled, 59 per cent said scrapping VAT would be a strong factor in making them switch to EVs, while 74 per cent of younger drivers (aged 18 to 24) agreed.
In addition, of the 17,500 respondents, 51 per cent said they would like to see a scrappage scheme introduced to promote EV uptake. As well as this, 40 per cent thought VAT should be removed from leasing prices.
King added: “A combination of the climate change emergency and local councils setting up vastly different Clean Air Zones, means that many drivers feel under pressure to change but can’t no matter how much they try.
“Drivers want to amplify their wishes to go electric. We hope by plugging this idea the country will unite and deliver positive change.”
