Norway leads way in European EV adoption, UK is third, claims survey
New research from Select Car Leasing shows that Norway is leading the way in EV adoption, though the UK is in a respectable third position.
Based on Select Car Leasing’s scoring system, Norway is the European country offering the most benefits to its inhabitants, scoring 87/100. Norway ranks the highest across 4 different factors, including highest number of EVs per 100,000 inhabitants and market share of EVs on the road.
However, although the UK government recently reduced the EV purchasing grant incentive, much to the disappointment of Brits, the country still boasts a third-place position with a score of 75/100.
Estonia offers £13,000 more for a purchase grant than the UK
One of the biggest factors swaying people from investing in EVs is their price, especially compared to similar petrol-fuelled models. Despite this, the UK recently reduced their EV purchase grant to £2,500, streamlining the offering to models costing up to £35,000.
Estonia offers the largest grant to its inhabitants, with up to £15,500 up for grabs if citizens change to an electric vehicle. Ranking second, Germany offers just half the amount of Estonia’s impressive EV grant. The UK didn’t make the top 10 with the measly £2,500 grant, placing it 14th instead.
Highest number of EVs per 100,000 people
Scandinavian countries perform best, perhaps with high average yearly salaries meaning citizens have more monetary freedom to choose EVs.
Norway boasts the Number 1 spot for having the highest number of EVs – with 8,520 vehicles for every 100,000 inhabitants. The United Kingdom, in comparison, is placed 10th out of 33. For every 158 people living in the UK, there is 1 electric vehicle. Although ranking in 10th place, this is the best rank compared to any of the other larger population over 20m. In comparison, Germany comes in at 31st out of 33 countries, with just 30 EVs per 100,000 people.
EVs are most affordable in Switzerland
With affordability as one of the most off-putting factors for an EV purchase, Select Car Leasing researched the average yearly salary in each country and calculated how much a Renault ZOE would cost in comparison.
Their research found that the Renault ZOE will cost Switzerland citizens just 29% of their yearly salary, thus making the country the leading contender for EV affordability. As a result, Switzerland has one of the best rates of EV adoption on the continent.
The UK, however, is once again sits at an unimpressive 14th place, with one Renault ZOE costing an eye-watering 84% of an average person’s salary, making EVs less affordable.
It’s clear that from the research that Scandinavian countries are leading the charge in comparison to other countries on the continent. This could be because of the higher yearly salaries, meaning inhabitants have the monetary freedom to consider going electric.
To find out more information go to https://www.selectcarleasing.co.uk/ev-government-incentives
