New research from the Startline Used Car Tracker suggests that lessons from dealers on how to use electric vehicles (EVs) could make motorists more likely to buy them. The study found that 46% of respondents want help with home charger installation and training on public charging, while 30% would like guidance on using EV features, and 29% want advice on driving efficiently.

“Switching from a petrol or diesel car to an electric one is a big change for most people, and this research indicates they are nervous about the prospect and looking for support,” said Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance. “They want to know that they’ll be able to charge at home, help to operate public charging and just simply how to use their new electric car – and they would like the dealer selling the vehicle to provide all of this.”

The findings indicate that 46% of consumers also want advice on maximising battery life, and 14% would like information on which features, such as heating, use the most power. Burgess added: “Some dealers are aware of this desire among customers and can provide some or all of these services as part of a comprehensive electric car buying experience. However, they are probably in the minority and more could or should be done by car retailers.”

The research also explored consumer attitudes towards EV pricing, following a report that the average price gap between petrol and electric cars has dropped from 51% to 18% in the past six years. The results show 18% of motorists would consider an EV if it was the same price as petrol, while another 18% would pay 10% more, and 17% would pay 20% more. Meanwhile, 14% said an EV would need to be cheaper than petrol before they would consider purchasing one.

“On the used market, many electric models are moving towards or have hit price parity with petrol, so most of the people surveyed should not find the price a barrier to purchasing,” Burgess said. “Interestingly, only 7% of the motorists we spoke to said they would never buy an electric car, showing how resistance to the technology is now very low.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly by APD Global Research, surveying 302 consumers and 58 dealers to provide insights into trends in the used car market.