According to a new survey conducted by Saga, a majority (63%) of drivers in London can identify roadside signs for electric vehicles, marking the highest percentage among all cities in the UK.
As the government’s commits £500 million towards EV charging infrastructure, there is a huge push for individuals to learn more about electric vehicles – and how they operate. And although, an increasing number of Brits are purchasing EVs and enthusiasm is growing, awareness of the signs, symbols, and regulations surrounding them varies across the country.
While many residents of London are prepared to transition to EVs, noticeable regional disparities were observed. Only 32% of respondents in the East of England could correctly identify EV symbols, with the figure dropping to 27% in the South West.
With the introduction of Clean Air Zones and initiatives like London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, the number of drivers adopting electric vehicles is increasing, even as climate targets evolve. The survey findings indicate that Londoners are the most knowledgeable about symbols indicating a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) at 61%, compared to the South West, where only 29% of respondents could identify them.
Regarding other symbols, 37% of drivers could accurately recognise the ‘eco mode’ dashboard symbol, while 18% could identify the ‘electrical fault’ symbol, highlighting the existence of knowledge gaps.
It is evident from the results that Clean Air Zone schemes have had a substantial impact on enhancing public awareness of EV rules and regulations.
Saga Comments:
“The survey’s results spotlight an evolving landscape of electric vehicles in the UK as well as draw attention to the need to enhance public understanding of EV signs and symbols. As the nation pushes towards its 2035 ban of new petrol and diesel cars, Saga encourages drivers to engage with this change.
As the electric vehicle revolution gains momentum, bridging this knowledge gap will be vital in ensuring a smooth transition towards a sustainable transportation future.”