An electric vehicle is the best option for nearly one-in-five new car buyers in the UK, according to exclusive research by What Car?.

Analysis of the daily mileage, driving habits and vehicle requirements for more than 8400 users of the What Fuel? Calculator by the UK’s leading consumer champion and new car buying platform, shows 19.2% of drivers could use a fully electric vehicle (EV) as their daily driver without compromising their routine.

The What Car? What Fuel calculator found a whopping 63.8% of new car buyers should opt for a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle as their next car, while diesel and petrol models came out on top for just 12.5% and 4.8% of new car buyers respectively.

Sales of fully electric vehicles are failing to reach their potential and currently account for only 2.2% of the UK’s new car market, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The disparity was previously highlighted by a What Car? Electric Vehicle White Paper, which identified a ‘knowledge gap’, which is causing motorists to overlook the latest generation of EVs as they remain unaware of their capabilities and benefits.

What Car?’s research found EVs are suitable for some drivers covering more than 24,000 kms a year and even those who live rurally. The best EVs can now cover more than 320kms on a single charge – including the current What Car? Car of the Year, the Kia e-Niro, which comes with a WLTP-approved 450kms range and a What Car? Real Range of 400kms under real-world driving conditions.

The What Car? Electric Vehicle White Paper revealed that many potential owners remain concerned about range, while others fail to take into account the savings from running an electric vehicle when searching for a new car.

What Car? editor Steve Huntingford said: “There are more than 20 different fully electric vehicles available, with many giving their petrol and diesel counterparts a serious run for their money. Yet electric ownership is lagging behind its potential. Our What Car? What Fuel tool shows nearly a fifth of drivers could make a seamless switch to electric ownership right now.

“Our previous research highlighted a ‘knowledge gap’ among new car buyers, with car manufacturers identified as not providing enough information on the benefits of owning an EV. Since our research, many manufacturers have updated the information on their websites, but more could still be done. The more people learn about the benefits of running and owning an electric car, the faster the technology can reach its full potential.”

Credit: What Car?