New consumer research[1] from Europcar has found that UK drivers are focusing on switching to greener modes of transport.
Key findings
Of those who have made driving-related New Year’s resolutions:
- 29% of drivers want to switch to greener mobility
- 11% aim to invest in a more environmentally friendly vehicle
- 10% are looking for an electric vehicle
- 8% are looking to switch to a more family-friendly vehicle
- 12% have pledged to drive less and rely more on public transport
“It’s great to see that some drivers are thinking about changing their vehicle for more eco-conscious choices in 2025,” commented Sarah Clarke, Consumer Marketing Manager at Europcar. “With just five years to go until manufacturers must stop producing new petrol and diesel vehicles for the UK market, there is a good proportion of motorists steadily making the switch. However, with more than half (59%) of those surveyed saying they have not made any New Year’s resolutions to change their vehicle use, it’s clear there’s still a big job to do to give motorists confidence that electric motoring doesn’t have to be difficult.
“That’s why Europcar is committed to helping drivers get a real-world EV experience through rental before committing to investing in their own vehicle.”
To help drivers gain a better understanding of EV life, Europcar regularly updates its free digital EV Guide. The beginner’s guide to EVs answers the most common questions and helps drivers make sense of all the buzzwords and acronyms. It also explains how switching to an EV will help save money and reduce emissions along the way. Importantly, the guide covers EV incentives available and details how to charge an EV, including explaining the different types of chargers.
“For those who want to reduce the environmental impact of their driving but are not ready to switch to a zero-emissions vehicle, they can still make small changes to their driving habits to make a difference”, added Sarah Clarke. “Simple things such as correct tyre pressure, air conditioning and idling can affect emissions, as can acceleration and braking.”
Green your driving:
- Go easy on the pedals – Heavy acceleration and braking wastes energy, reducing fuel efficiency and having a negative impact on the environment. A gentler driving style is also a greener driving style.
- Cut the climate control – Using the heater or air conditioning uses additional energy, resulting in increased fuel consumption and higher emissions. Adjusting the temperature so the system doesn’t work so hard or switching off climate control whenever possible will make a positive difference.
- Check tyre pressure – Not only do correctly-inflated tyres deliver optimum braking and handling, but they also increase fuel efficiency. Regularly checking the pressure is therefore an easy way to reduce emissions.
- Stop idling – Leaving the engine running at traffic lights, in stationary traffic or while waiting for school pick up can waste a significant amount of fuel and increase emissions unnecessarily.
- Switch to zero- or low-emissions driving – When you come to change vehicles, consider opting for a hybrid or fully electric model. If switching your own vehicle is not an option yet, you could rent one for longer journeys to cut emissions on those trips.