Motorists reveal their electric dreams

New research has revealed that 70% of European motorists would consider an electric vehicle for their next car.

A survey of 3,500 petrol and diesel, and 3,500 electric car owners spread across seven countries and regions, including the UK, examined EV satisfaction as well as attitudes other drivers have towards switching to zero emission motoring.

Overall, 89% of EV drivers said going electric was the right decision, and 97% said they found the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) to EV as expected or easier.

Among petrol and diesel drivers, seven in 10 said they would now consider going electric – with the environmental benefits topping a list of reasons why, according to the study commissioned by Nissan.

“With this new research, we’re seeing first-hand that European drivers are embracing electrification,” said Arnaud Charpentier of Nissan.

“Just as drivers are continuing to explore what electric vehicles have to offer, we are committed to showing drivers the vast benefits of electric mobility and how easy actually it is to make the switch.”

Additionally, the majority (70%) of EV drivers surveyed said the range of their electric car is better than expected before purchase, counteracting the the 58% of ‘ICE’ owners who consider EVs to offer low driving range.

Low running costs are a big driver for 31% of ICE owners considering the switch – while 83% of EV drivers say their car has lower running costs than an EV.

Nissan launched a collection of testimonials – ‘My Life with a Nissan LEAF’– to highlight owner experiences from around the world.

Among those were Neil Swanson, from Scotland, who initially won a LEAF trial in a competition. He then purchased one and has driven more than 80,000 miles in it since.

Shannon Monroe in the USA, meanwhile, welcomed his LEAF at the very beginning of its journey in 2010 – and has covered more than 125,000 EV miles in it.

Nissan estimates LEAF owners have prevented more than 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere globally.

“Our 500,000 LEAF owners are some of the most loyal customers worldwide,” added Arnaud Charpentier.

“By shining a spotlight on our owners’ unique and positive experience of EV ownership we enhance our commitment to sharing the benefits of electric mobility, showing how enjoyable and rewarding it is.”