Global demand for electric vehicles has reached a “tipping point”, with more than half of intending car buyers saying their next vehicle will be electric, according to a report by business consultancy EY.
These numbers do not include or reflect SA. Here, despite apparent consumer interest in EVs, they remain a rarity on the roads because of high prices, lack of charging infrastructure and doubts about Eskom’s ability to provide the power required to keep nonhybrid EVs on the road. The government published a green paper setting out its strategy intentions in May last year. A detailed white paper policy document was expected in October but has been delayed while the government determines how to pay for buyer incentives.
The EY study shows that, globally, work journeys by public transport are down 15% from pre-Covid levels. In Australia the drop is 35%, in Canada 30% and Italy 29%. Of the 18 countries surveyed, only one, India, reported an increase in public transport usage, and that was by 1%. Among research respondents, 60% say a private car is best for their safety and wellbeing.
The study says China, India and Mexico show the greatest demand for cars, with 75%, 75% and 66%, respectively, of their respondents likely to buy. Sweden, Singapore and Japan — 33%, 27% and 20% — seem least interested. Consumer concerns like high purchase costs and range anxiety — the fear that electric motors’ limited, single-charge travel range will cause them to run out of power mid-journey — appear to be receding, says EY.