Ahead of Ofgem's launch of its COP26 green, fair future' campaign, new research has found that almost one in four (24%) consumers plan to buy an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid in the next five years.

The Climate Change Committee anticipates around 18 million battery and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will be on the road by the ban on the sale of new internal combustion vehicles being introduced in 2030. Of these, 14.5 million will be battery electric vehicles.

Ofgem's research showed that:

• Those who own electric vehicles are more open to embracing changes in how they use their energy.
• Electric vehicle owners are three times more likely to say they are on a time of use tariff than non-owners.
• Over half (60%) would consider smart charging of their vehicle to avoid times when electricity is most expensive.

Although many consumers intend on changing their car to an electric one, over a third (38%) said they were unlikely to get an electric vehicle in the next five years. This is due to perceived barriers like the price being too high (59%), a short battery life and/or short range (38%) and worries about having nowhere to charge their electric vehicle close to home (36%).

Three in four (74%) consumers identified electricity generation and transport, such as fossil fuel power stations and exhaust emissions, as activities that play a big part in contributing to climate change. But the research shows that fewer consumers (60%) identified domestic heating, like gas boilers, as playing a big part in contributing to climate change, although one in seven (14%) intend to install low carbon heating such as heat pumps.

Jonathan Brearley, Ofgem's chief executive, said: "As more consumers make the switch to electric vehicles in the next five years, Ofgem will be announcing millions of pounds of investment to create a more flexible energy system to support the electrification of vehicles, renewable generation and low carbon forms of heat.

"Securing the investment is only half of the answer. Climate change can only be tackled if consumers are engaged in the process. For this to happen the transition to a low carbon economy needs to be fair, inclusive and affordable.

"Energy regulators have a key role to play in delivering this transition and we will be seeking to work with regulators across the world in the run up to the COP26 climate change talks to develop proposals that benefit consumers and the planet."

Ipsos MORI carried out the research on behalf of Ofgem interviewing 4,608 respondents between June and September 2020. Interviews were carried out with consumers across England, Scotland and Wales.

Ofgem is Britain's independent energy regulator. Its role is to protect consumers now and in the future by working to deliver a greener, fairer energy system. For facts, figures and information about Ofgem's work, see Energy facts and figures or visit the Ofgem Data Portal.

Source: Ofgem