Aviva’s recent Connected Car Report – which compiles the opinions of 2,134 UK drivers on in-car technology and innovations in motoring – highlights that while there’s an apparent appetite for vehicles powered by alternative means, the majority of UK drivers still expect to be using fossil fuel powered vehicles for the foreseeable future.
68% plan to buy a petrol-fuelled vehicle for their next purchase and just over one in five (21%*) expect to buy a diesel-powered model; on the other hand only one in 10 UK drivers (10%) plan to buy a hybrid model for their next vehicle and a further two per cent intend to purchase a fully electric vehicle.
Driver priorities: choosing a vehicle
Amongst those who say they wouldn’t consider an electric/hybrid vehicle for their next purchase, the main concern is around the cost of the vehicle, followed by worries about the limited range and the length of time taken to charge vehicles.
Reasons for wanting to purchase Electric / Hybrid vehicle
| Electric / Hybrid vehicle | % |
|---|---|
| High purchase price | 55% |
| Limited range | 44% |
| Length of time to charge | 39% |
| Fear of being stranded | 33% |
| Performance compared to petrol/diesel vehicles | 19% |
Driverless vehicles
As a general rule, drivers welcome technology to improve the driving experience, with three-quarters (74%) of motorists using in-car technology or gadgets when they drive. In line with this, one in five UK drivers questioned said they would be happy to use a driverless car, although the majority of motorists are still cautious about the concept.
Reasons for not wanting to use a driverless vehicle
| Reason | % |
|---|---|
| I would rather be in control | 42% |
| I wouldn’t trust the tech | 41% |
| I don’t understand enough about them | 9% |
| I’d be concerned about being on the roads with non-driverless cars | 7% |
Reasons for wanting to use a driverless vehicle
| Reason | % |
|---|---|
| I think that roads will be safer | 49% |
| I will be able to do other things while travelling | 26% |
| It’s an exciting development in tech | 18% |
| I don’t like driving | 7% |
Paul Heybourne, Head of Digital Innovation Operations, Aviva, says: “We’re a nation of car lovers and there’s a clear enthusiasm for technologies which improve the driving experience. There’s also evidence that people want to embrace new innovations, with one in eight drivers saying they’d choose a hybrid or electric model for their next vehicle and one in five ready to adopt driverless technology.
“As with any new technology, there is some nervousness about driverless cars, but many drivers admit this is because they don’t know enough about them, so any concerns will inevitably wane over time. Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, so it will be fascinating to see whether consumer adoption will match.”
