Drivers receive electric cars if they cause an accident with a petrol or diesel car

Under a new program from road accident assistance company AX, drivers across the UK could soon be able to receive an electric vehicle in exchange for their current car.

With the government looking to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel models in 2030, many manufacturers and automobile clubs are taking steps to make electric vehicles more accessible and attractive to drivers.

Scott Hamilton-Cooper, Chief Commercial Officer at AX, stressed that the program allows drivers to temporarily swap their combustion engine model for an electric car.

He explained: “We were the first to introduce an EV for EV guarantee and following its successful implementation three years ago, we have raised the bar again with EValuate, our EV for ICE test drive initiative.”

“The feedback we have received and the research we have conducted shows that customers – both drivers and fleet managers – want to see this engagement expanded further.”

The EValuate program provides drivers involved in an accident with an all-electric vehicle while their internal combustion engine model is repaired.

Since many modern vehicles take longer to repair after an accident, the company hopes that drivers will have enough time to familiarize themselves with the life of an electric model without pressure from a salesperson.

The company said it may be the first time its 40,000 annual customers have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an electric car.

Scott assured customers that electric vehicles are not significantly different from vehicles with combustion engines, but are easier to drive and more comfortable.

He added: “Anything that can help positively impact the UK's transition from fossil-fuelled cars to zero-emission vehicles is a welcome step. Our industry can make a significant contribution to supporting sustainable mobility.”

“Not only does it provide convenience and continuity, it also reduces our company’s average CO2 emissions while helping the fleets, insurers and dealers we work with to minimise their environmental impact as well.”

While AX is introducing programs to encourage owners of petrol and diesel vehicles to try electric models, many car manufacturers are pushing their customers to buy an electric vehicle directly.

The government has required all car manufacturers selling their models in the UK to ensure that the share of electric vehicles in their total new car sales is 22 percent, or face a fine of £15,000 for each car that falls below this target.

Faced with such heavy fines, some dealers have admitted to refusing to accommodate customers' requests for petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles, while other manufacturers are drastically reducing the prices of their electric cars.