Electric car incentive scheme 'successful'

The scheme began in August 2023 and ended on 17 December 2024

A scheme which helped people in Jersey to buy an electric vehicle "successfully encouraged both individuals and businesses to transition to EVs", a new report has shown.

The Electric Vehicle Purchase Incentive (EVPI) scheme began in August 2023 and ended on 17 December 2024.

States of Jersey said it gathered insights from 252 respondents to evaluate user experiences, charging habits and the overall impact of the EVPI on vehicle choice and usage.

A number of testimonials praised the scheme with some saying they converted to an electric vehicle because of the grant.

States of Jersey said the survey found nearly 60% of individual respondents stated they would not have purchased an EV without the incentive, with this number rising to 71% for businesses.

Out of the 252 respondents, 218 had purchased electric vehicles for personal use and 34 for business purposes, it said.

The data showed 82% of respondents were first-time electric vehicle owners.

The report said home charging was preferred, with 79% of individuals charging at home.

In comparison 6% of individuals and 15% of businesses used public chargers regularly.

States of Jersey said those who relied on public charging points highlighted issues around cost, availability and power capacity.

It said this suggested a need for continued investment in public charging infrastructure to support broader EV adoption.

'Strongly satisfied'

The report showed the majority (77%) of people found electric charging significantly cheaper than fuelling petrol or diesel vehicles.

Some 13% found the cost slightly lower and 9% did not know how much it cost to charge their EV.

One percent had no experience of how much it costs to fuel a petrol or diesel vehicle.

In comparison 71% of businesses found charging significantly cheaper than fuelling petrol or diesel vehicles with 12% saying the cost was slightly lower and a further 12% saying it cost the same.

States of Jersey said the data showed the average satisfaction rating was nine out of 10 for individuals and 8.2 out of 10 for businesses.

It said 52% of individuals and 44% of businesses said they were "strongly satisfied" with their EV's range in Jersey.

One respondent said: "The EV grant made buying our first EV a no-brainer.

"We bought a low-mileage second-hand car with a range of 200 miles which is ideal for Jersey.

"It is very quiet, quick off the mark and cheap to charge. I won't go back to petrol."

Another said: ""I was sure I'd never give up petrol driving but electric has been amazing - better for my wallet, the air and perfect range for Jersey."