Renault’s electric vehicle sales are charging ahead by winning over buyers’ heads and hearts. More than 1,600 Renault EV owners were surveyed and the responses highlighted a big shift in why buyers are switching to electric cars.

• 64% said design was key for choosing an electric Renault, rising to 71% for Renault 5 E-Tech owners.
• 66% said their Renault was cheaper to run than expected.
• 60% found it easier to live with.
• 96% would recommend an electric car.
• Just 8% cited environmental reasons.

Our customers at Mitchells Renault in Lowestoft are also being won over by electric car ownership with EVs accounting for half our retail sales, well above the national average, in the second quarter of this year. It is also way over the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate target that 33% of every manufacturers’ new car sales this year should be pure electric, up from 28% in 2025.

Mitchells dealer principal Matt Huke-Jenner said: “Renault is riding the crest of an electric wave. The brand has made that investment in technology, outlay and training.”

Mitchells, as an award-winning Renault dealership has also invested in electric vehicle training for its staff. “More than half of our technicians are trained to work on electric vehicles and all our staff have basic EV training.”

First-time EV owners accounted for 69% of those surveyed. The results highlighted that people are being driven to choosing an electric car by desire, not duty. Design and cost benefits of the latest-generation Renault EVs are winning them over. The biggest frustration among EV owners was charging.

• 57% said the cost of public charging was a key challenge.
• 89% said it was expensive.
• 40% cited availability issues including chargers not working or not having driveway parking.

Once drivers own an electric car, range anxiety takes a back seat with 92% confident driving typical journeys. Renault has two dedicated platforms for its electrified range – one for hybrids, the other for electric vehicles which are purely battery-powered. The award-winning Renault electric car range currently comprises the characterful, retro 4 and 5, Megane hatchback and Scenic SUV. They will soon be joined by the highly-anticipated Twingo electric city car. All Renault vans – Kangoo, Trafic and Master – also offer a pure electric version.

“People in this part of the world are embracing the EV revolution, across all the models. Renault 5 is, by far, the number one best seller and accounts for more than half of our sales with customers attracted by the model’s nostalgia and styling.”

Find out more about Renault’s electric cars at www.mitchellsgroup.co.uk/renault/site/electric-cars/