A recent poll reveals that Scottish motorists are the least likely in the United Kingdom to consider switching to electric vehicles (EVs), raising concerns about meeting national targets to phase out petrol and diesel cars. The survey, conducted by More in Common and shared with the Sunday Mail, highlights significant resistance among Scots amid government plans to transition to electric mobility.

The poll, which included responses from 1,006 drivers in Scotland, found that nearly half (49 percent) are unlikely to consider purchasing an EV, compared with 39 percent across the UK. Among disabled drivers who participate in the Mobility scheme—a program facilitating car leases through the benefits system—resistance to electric vehicles is even greater, with 57 percent unlikely to consider an EV and 39 percent stating they would “definitely not” switch.

Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations, emphasized the challenges faced by disabled drivers in Scotland. He warned that the shift to electric mobility must not come at the expense of disabled people’s freedom and independence, pointing to inadequate charging infrastructure as a significant barrier. “Right now, too many disabled drivers in Scotland face practical barriers to making the switch as the charging infrastructure they need simply isn’t there,” Miller said, urging cooperation among government, industry, and local authorities to improve accessibility ahead of the 2030 deadline.

The UK government originally set a target to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, though this policy was extended to 2035 under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Additionally, Labour ministers are reportedly considering lowering the proportion of new cars that must be electric, in response to widespread hesitancy among drivers.

The poll highlights specific obstacles for both disabled and general motorists. Among Mobility scheme users in Scotland who are unwilling to switch, 44 percent cited the inability to charge at home as a major hindrance, while 33 percent pointed to a lack of public charging points. For the general driving population, concerns were more evenly distributed, with approximately 30 percent identifying vehicle range limitations, 29 percent noting home charging challenges, and another 29 percent citing the higher upfront cost of electric vehicles as key deterrents.

These findings come as electric vehicle sales have surged across the UK over the past year, spurred by rising petrol and diesel prices. However, Scotland’s comparatively low enthusiasm signals potential difficulties in aligning with the broader ambitions for a green transport transition. The Motability EV Transition Tracker underscores the urgency of addressing infrastructure and affordability issues to facilitate wider EV adoption, particularly for vulnerable groups.