GOVERNMENT support for electric cars appears to be failing to spark off real interest from drivers, according to a survey of more than 3,000 motorists.

Only one per cent of UK drivers own an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV), such as the Sunderland-built Nissan LEAF, while CO2 emissions are at the bottom of the checklist when Britons are shopping for a new car, the poll by Auto Trader found.

Since January 2011, motorists have been eligible for up to £5,000 upfront cost relief on the purchase of a new electric vehicle but the survey showed that 35 per cent of drivers were unaware of this grant.

While 32 per cent of 17 to 24-year-olds said they were likely to buy an AFV, only 18 per cent of those aged 65 or over were likely to. The survey also showed that while 62 per cent of women said they cared deeply about the impact their cars had on the environment, only 39 per cent of men did.

The poll also found:

  • 79 per cent of motorists agree the Government should be doing more to make AFVs more affordable 
  • 89 per cent would like their vehicle to be more environmentally friendly if it did not cost any extra 
  • 80 per cent have not seen a charging point within five miles of their home
  • and 73 per cent want more charging points
  • 73 per cent said national TV campaigns would help spread the word about AFVs,
  • while 52 per cent said AFVs should be a compulsory section in the driving theory test.

Auto Trader group marketing director Jonathan Williams said: "The good news for car manufacturers is British motorists are taking an interest in electric vehicles - when made aware of the benefits and cost savings.

"However, were still a long way from convincing motorists to make the switch."