Which? calls on Government to do more to tackle cost and other barriers discouraging consumers from switching to heat pumps and electric vehicles

The number of people who own EVs has increased from three per cent in June 2022 to six per cent in June this year. However, the number of drivers saying they are unwilling to buy one has almost doubled from one in five (20%) in 2022 to two in five (39%) now.

Some people remain open to buying them in the future but are also put off by the cost. Currently, around two-thirds (64%) of non-EV drivers said high prices would stop them from buying one. The research also revealed significant concerns about EV charging. Half of consumers (54%) are concerned about the distance that can be covered in a single charge while a similar proportion (52%) are worried about the availability of public charge points.

In the recent budget, the government allocated £3.4 billion to the Warm Homes Plan, including £1.8bn to support fuel poverty schemes. The government described this as an ’initial’ commitment. It also introduced tax incentives to encourage people to buy electric vehicles.

Which? is now calling on the government to support consumers in the transition from gas and oil heating to electrified heating, such as heat pumps. They say the government’s Warm Homes Plan must include measures to support consumers with the high upfront costs of installing a heat pump, through new financial products that make the transition more affordable and direct support for low income families. 

The government should also raise awareness among consumers and ensure they have access to good quality information and advice, whilst improving access to reliable and qualified installers by setting a date for the mandatory certification of installers.

Which? is also calling on the UK and devolved governments to provide clear and consistent support for the transition to EVs to give businesses and consumers the confidence they need. This should ensure that the market continues to drive down the cost of new and second hand EVs. 

However more work will be needed to ensure the charging infrastructure works for consumers. The UK government should monitor the consumer experience of public charge points to make sure charge points are meeting requirements on reliability and easy payment options. The UK and devolved governments should also support the roll out of the chargepoint infrastructure, ensure access for disabled drivers, and promote tariffs that make it cheaper to charge your car overnight and when electricity demand is low. 

Sue Davies, Which? Head of consumer rights and food policy, said: 

“There are encouraging signs in this year’s Which? sustainability tracker, such as a slight increase in ownership of electric vehicles (EVs) and an appetite among younger homeowners to switch to heat pumps.

“However, it’s clear that there is work to be done to address the barriers preventing consumers from switching to the more sustainable alternatives that will help the UK achieve its net zero goals. As well as cost, these include low awareness and insufficient information about heat pumps and a lack of availability and reliability of EV charging stations. 

“The Warm Homes Plan could be a game-changer if it helps people with the high up-front costs of heat pumps and the government should also set a date for the mandatory accreditation of heat pump installers. 

“Improving the availability and experience of public charge points for electric vehicles is essential if the government wants to encourage people to switch from petrol cars.”