82pc UAE residents considering buying EV


Some 82 per cent of people in the UAE are considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) as their next vehicle, driven by environmental benefits and fuel efficiency.

Some 82 per cent of people in the UAE are considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) as their next vehicle, driven by environmental benefits and fuel efficiency.
 
The second installment of Publicis Sapient’s Digital Life Index Report reveals growing consumer inclination for green energy, and fuel-efficient, high-tech vehicles.
 
According to the survey’s finding, the changes in how and where people work will be lasting, shifting both domestic energy usage and mobility patterns. Whilst for the majority, consideration of greener energy is high, cost is a main barrier to widespread adoption; whether for home utilities, or the purchase of EVs.
 
People expect retail energy, and by extension, fuel stations, cross-category services, expanded product offerings, and digital experiences to evolve with them across the board.
 
Meanwhile, as the trend towards more environment-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles continues, the concerns about battery range and price will slow the widespread adoption of EVs.
 
About 82 per cent of UAE respondents are considering an EV as their next vehicle, while 90 per cent are considering a hybrid. UAE residents are also more likely than any other country to pay more for better fuel efficiency.
 
Additionally, people in the UAE are the most willing to pay more for connected technology features in their next vehicle, although 77 per cent believe the tech should come as standard.
 
Expectations for vehicles pre-fitted with connected tech is now mainstream, with almost all people (93 per cent) desiring at least one connected feature in their next vehicle.
 
Almost all people in the UAE want at least one connected tech feature in the next vehicle. Familiar and common features such as back up cameras, navigation and Bluetooth top the list of connected tech wants.
 
UAE shoppers want an average of 4.5 connected features in their next vehicle, more than any other region surveyed.
 
Teresa Barreira, CMO of Publicis Sapient, stated: “When it comes to buying a car, people feel comfortable conducting most of the initial transaction online. As people revert to dealerships for the transaction’s final steps, creating contactless platforms is critical. Digital experience will be top of mind both in transactions and consumer expectations for vehicular technology.” 
 
GREEN HOMES
When it comes to cleaner energy at homes, cost becomes a deciding factor for consumers, whether adopting green energy such as solar, switching utility providers, or using a smart meter. 
 
The survey found 70 per cent respondents saying they would purchase green energy from their utility providers if available. It also said 77 per cent people are planning to install solar power at their homes in the next two years, while 37 per cent of people surveyed already have solar on their homes.
 
“The study reveals most people are primed to switch to greener energy at home and in transit. Businesses that ramp up easy and accessible solutions will be best positioned for the future. With the Index giving us a unique lens into consumers' lives, we’re ready to help companies understand and respond with data-driven insights heading into 2021,” Barreira said.
 
When considering switching home energy providers, a good app experience is the main priority according to half (50 per cent) of respondents, with those providers offering transparent pricing also appealing to 47 per cent. And while the use of a smart meter is currently split at 50/50, those that do use a smart device for managing or tracking home energy, 59 per cent do so to save money.
 
The Digital Life Index Report is a global survey. Publicis Sapient surveyed 7,000 people in 10 countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, the UAE, UK, and US. –Tradearabia News Service