Test drive an EV if unsure about them – survey

A hands-on test drive experience is one of the main things that persuade owners to buy their first electric vehicle, a Flip the Fleet survey shows.

The nationwide EV owners’ collective found almost a third (27%) of 343 survey participants were persuaded to buy an EV by taking one for a drive.

“That doesn’t surprise me,” says Kaipara EV advocate Margaret Baker who drove New Zealand’s first 100% electric taxi in Whangarei for almost two years.

She’s also given EV rides and drives at community events around the country.

“Everyone I’ve seen take a ride or test drive comes back wearing the EV grin,” Baker says. “They are surprised by the smooth, quiet, comfortable ride and the power these cars have – even the small ones.”

The survey suggests that buying a car is a complex and personal process. As well as test drives, word of mouth is a key influence. About 19% of buyers put their trust in the testimony of people like friends and family, or other EV owners, before they switched.

Other respondents put in hours of research and relied most heavily on media (20%) or websites (15%) to check out the new technology.

Only 13% of New Zealanders say they are familiar with EVs, according to Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) research.

“That’s not unique to New Zealand – people’s understanding in other countries still has a long way to go,” says Henrik Moller of Flip the Fleet.

A UK survey, for instance, found 42% of Brits were unsure if you could put an EV through a car wash. “You can, just like you can charge them outside in all weather conditions with the appropriate equipment,” Moller says.

He suggests people learn more about EVs at an event where the cars are available for rides and drives. “You’ll get the hands-on experience plus the owner’s insights.”

Visit HERE for information about where these may be available.

Moller says downloading EECA’s Buyer’s Guide to Electric Vehicles provides an overview of EVs, their benefits and potential pitfalls.

See HERE

for more details.

Moller’s other top three tip is to visit an EV specialist dealership where fully trained salespeople can provide technical and practical knowledge.

Visit HERE for more information.