Research by Peugeot has found that 43% of UK drivers have a ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ understanding of electric vehicles (EVs).

Of the 2,000 motorists surveyed, 23% said their understanding of EVs was ‘good’ or ‘very good’, although this number increased to 49% among 25 to 34-year-olds, and decreased to 13% in over-65s.

Knowledge was best in London, with 49% claiming a ‘good’ or ‘very good’ understanding of electric vehicles, while the least knowledgeable region was the East of England, with 12% reporting a ‘good’ or ‘very good’ understanding.

21% of motorists surveyed did not know if there was a difference between EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and 71% were not aware that EVs could charge from 20% to 80% in under 30 minutes.

Drivers were most knowledgeable about petrol and diesel cars, with 61% reporting good knowledge of petrol and diesel cars, although this was 6% lower than the number found by Peugeot’s 2023 survey.

Nicola Dobson, managing director at Peugeot UK, said: “The latest survey in electric vehicle knowledge shows that progress is being made with electrification in the UK, but there is still more that needs to be done to provide the public with clear information to help them make the switch.

“At Peugeot, we are committed to supporting motorists through the EV transition with our Peugeot Electric Promise, which includes initiatives such as the 8-year Peugeot Care to give customers the confidence to embrace electric mobility, as well as offering the widest EV line-up of any mainstream European brand.”

The Peugeot Electric Promise also includes access to Free2Move Charge Pass, which allows EV drivers to charge with one tap at over 700,000 public chargers across the UK and Europe.

Almost half of 18 to 24-year-olds surveyed by Peugeot were aware of the Plug-in Van Grant, which offers grants of up to £5,000 to assist with the purchase of an electric van, while 23% of over 65s were aware of the scheme.