London’s car owners least keen to go green

Despite recent increases to the Congestion Charge as well as the cost of fuel, London’s 2.6 million car owners are among the least likely in the UK to choose a car powered by alternative fuel, according to research by motoring website newcarnet.co.uk.

More than one in three drivers in the capital (35%) said that they wouldn’t even consider alternative fuels to power their next car, let alone actually buy one. Only motorists in the North East of England are less keen on green fuels; 43% surveyed in the region aren't willing to look further than traditional petrol or diesel powered vehicles.

Although more than three quarters of British motorists would be willing to switch, very few actually do. Just one in every 140 new cars bought in the UK last year (16,575 or 0.7%) draws power from biofuel, LPG, hybrid technology or electric alone.

newcarnet.co.uk’s research also showed that millions are still confused by alternative fuels – almost half of those questioned (49.3%) did not realise that “hybrid-power” combines an electric motor with a traditional petrol or diesel engine.

For those currently refusing to consider going green, almost two in five (38%) felt that there was a lack of choice and availability of cars and fuel, with only six hybrid, four LPG and 45 bio-fuel-powered cars on the market today.

Another third of respondents were put off by the perceived expense. Whereas prices for the petrol-driven Honda Civic start at £14,490, the cheapest hybrid is £17,105.

And, despite biofuels having proved themselves in the world of motorsport, 22% felt that green power just couldn’t equal the performance of a pure internal combustion engine.

“With three quarters of motorists saying they’d happily consider alternative fuels to power their new car, people are clearly willing to change their habits if the options are there,” said newcarnet.co.uk’s Massimo Pini. “But all government seem to be doing is increasing costs without promoting alternatives. People need to know the real financial benefits and feel confident that alternative fuels are widely available if they’re going to switch from petrol and diesel.”

The majority of people (70%) think that the government and manufacturers need to take more responsibility in switching motorists to using alternative fuels. By contrast, just 16% of people feel that it’s down to individuals to make the change themselves.

For further information, visit newcarnet.co.uk