Castrol and bp pulse’s new study: Switching ON the rEVolution: The road to EV readiness for markets, carmakers and consumers launched today reveals that the overwhelming majority (97%) of surveyed global automotive executives are confident of hitting government-imposed phase-out dates for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
14 June 2022: Castrol and bp pulse’s new study: Switching ON the rEVolution: The road to EV readiness for markets, carmakers and consumers launched today reveals that the overwhelming majority (97%) of surveyed global automotive executives are confident of hitting government-imposed phase-out dates for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Despite this, they don’t necessarily have a clear path to get there: just 40% in the survey feel that their company is currently ready to transition from ICE vehicles to EVs#.
The study finds that car manufacturers are focused on overcoming these challenges however, with almost two-thirds (66%) of global automotive executives stating that the transition is the number one strategic priority for their organisation. This is reflected in how R&D spend is changing too. The study found that in 2015 an average of just 11% of R&D spend was focused on fully electric vehicles, but this has almost doubled to 21% today and automotive executives anticipate it will reach 31% by 2025, almost a three-fold increase over 10 years. If hybrid vehicles are also taken into account, by 2025 surveyed automotive executives predict that over 70% of their R&D spend will be focused on EVs and hybrids#.
Consumers are also switching mindsets, with 51% of all surveyed consumers in the UK considering an EV for their next vehicle purchase. Amongst consumers in the report who have already made the switch, 100% would consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase.
Factors accelerating the transition
The majority of survey participants believe that governments have a critical role in the transition to EVs. Government-mandated ICE phase-out targets are cited as the number one factor accelerating the industry’s transition, according to 63% of global automotive executives in the study. Net zero targets are also a significant factor, with 57% of the automotive executives stating that they are an important driver.
When it comes to consumers, the study finds that helping to lower air pollution in urban areas and the fact that EVs emit lower carbon emissions than petrol- or diesel-powered vehicles are the most influential factors in persuading current ICE and hybrid drivers in the UK to make the switch (both cited as important by 68% of consumers). This was followed by lower running costs and lower maintenance costs (both 65%), Price concerns are also subsiding with over half (58%) of all surveyed consumers now persuaded that the overall cost of an EV – when tax, fuel and maintenance costs are taken into account as well as upfront price – is lower than an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle.
Nicola Buck, SVP Marketing bp and CMO Castrol said:
“It’s an exciting time for the automotive industry and we are committed to working with our industry partners to help bring forward the next generation of technologies and help accelerate the transition to EVs. The world of transport is going electric and products such as Castrol ON EV Fluids and bp pulse charging solutions will have an important role to play.”
Roadblocks on the road to widespread EV adoption
According to the research, the biggest barrier slowing the industry’s transition to electric vehicles is the high cost of batteries with 56% of global automotive executives citing this as a concern. The next most significant barriers were found to be the availability of charging infrastructure (43%) and a lack of tech talent (40%).
Consumers in the UK also share concerns around charging infrastructure. Seventy-five per cent of non-EV drivers in the study believe that charging infrastructure for EVs is not prevalent enough. However, despite the majority agreeing that the overall cost of EV ownership is lower than a petrol or diesel car, the biggest deterrent to EV ownership was found to be a perceived higher upfront cost with 77% of consumers stating that EVs are more expensive than petrol or diesel cars. Range concerns were also found to be a deterrent with 74% believing EVs have a shorter range than petrol- or diesel-powered vehicles so are unsuitable for long journeys as well as a lack of prevalence of ultra-fast charging (also 74%).
Switching ON the rEVolution
To accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, the industry – including Castrol and bp pulse– needs to work together to overcome these roadblocks. Governments, infrastructure providers, car manufacturers and suppliers will need to collaborate closely and effectively to enhance the reliability and availability of charging infrastructure, improving the battery life and mileage range of vehicles, and reduce the upfront cost. Castrol is committed to working with our industry partners to accelerate the transition, helping to switch on an electric future. Castrol ON EV Fluids aim to bring the industry closer to overcoming the challenges faced by helping EVs go further1, charge faster2 and last longer3*. bp pulse is committed to helping make the switch to EV easier by building a significant public charging network and reliable charging products and services, that is fast, simple to use and totally seamless.
For more information and to read the full study please visit: www.castrol.co.uk/evfluids
#Automotive executives working for EV-only carmakers are excluded from these figures*
Castrol EV Fluids benefits are demonstrated in bespoke testing and development. 1vs mass market EV factory fill fluid. 2vs indirect cooled battery system. 3vs standard EV-transmission fluid.
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Notes to editor:
Switching ON the rEVolution: The road to EV readiness for markets, carmakers and consumers, is a global opinion research study amongst 10,000 consumers and 100 leaders from car manufacturers (C-Suite level executives), exploring levels of readiness for the switch from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). It was conducted from November to December 2021 in 10 key markets: ANZ (Australia and New Zealand), China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Nordics (Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark), Turkey, UK and the US.
To download the full study visit: www.castrol.co.uk/evfluids
About Castrol:
Castrol, one of the world’s leading lubricant brands, has a proud heritage of innovation and fueling the dreams of pioneers. Our passion for performance, combined with a philosophy of working in partnership, has enabled Castrol to develop lubricants and greases that have been at the heart of numerous technological feats on land, air, sea and space for over 100 years.
Today, Castrol is helping drive sustainability with our Path360 strategy that sets out aims for 2030 to save waste, reduce carbon and improve lives. Castrol is part of the BP group and serves customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors. Our branded products are recognized globally for innovation and high performance through our commitment to premium quality and cutting-edge technology.
To find out more about Castrol please visit www.castrol.com or contact bppress@bp.com.
About bp pulse:
bp pulse is the UK market-leader for public rapid and ultra-fast charging and operates the most-used electric vehicle charging network in the UK. The company provides a comprehensive, flexible and practical range of electric vehicle charging solutions. bp pulse has supplied over 60,000 public, workplace and home charging units, and is now rolling out 150kW ultra-rapid chargers on bp retail sites. In March 2022, bp announced new plans to invest £1 billion in electric vehicle charging in the UK over the next 10 years, supercharging the roll-out of fast, convenient charging across the country. bp pulse is now set to approximately triple its number of charging points between now and 2030.