Industry joins bid to tackle myths about EVs

22 November 2024  

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is backing a new initiative to combat misinformation surrounding EVs — in a move set to bolster industry efforts to train up mechanics and equip garages with specialist equipment.

SMMT has partnered with Auto Trader and ChargeUK to promote facts about owning and driving EVs.

The initiative comes after a House of Lords’ Environment and Climate Change Committee report published last February warned of confusing messages in the media about EVs.

In the report — EV strategy: rapid recharge needed — the committee said there were concerns there may be a slowdown in mechanics taking advanced EV courses, amid “uncertainty and uneven” government announcements about the transition away from ICE vehicles.

‘Simplified facts’

Research by Auto Trader in April highlighted “mistruths” that were hitting consumer confidence in EVs, such as fears about electric vehicles catching fire and claims that EVs are not cheaper to run compared with ICE vehicles.

SMMT said the group has now created a collection of user-friendly, simplified facts*, endorsed by the Department of Transport, that offers a more balanced and data-backed view of the reality of owning and driving electric cars. The information will be regularly reviewed and updated.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “More than a million motorists have already gone electric and been delighted by their decision, with many benefiting from lower running costs, an outstanding driving experience and a smaller carbon footprint.

“But making the switch can be daunting for some, given the need to consider charging as well as driving, so a single source of truth can avoid any confusion. And that truth is that the time to go electric is now.”

Hawes said in October, as reported by Aftermarket, that the government needed to champion “bold measures on consumer support and infrastructure” to get the EV transition back on track. 

*Click here to read the full fact-file.