Why the electric car transition needs a ‘try before you buy’ moment

Consumer confidence is key if more drivers are to switch to electric cars. More test drives and hands-on experiences could help turn interest into action.

Recent reports that the government is set to roll back its ambitious EV sales targets suggest that many car buyers still aren’t fully sold on making the switch to electric. That’s because concerns around charging availability, upfront costs, and “range anxiety” continue to hold people back.

One way to close the gap could be letting drivers spend more time actually using electric cars, whether that be through test drives, rentals, or trial schemes, so they can judge the cars from themselves.

This feels especially relevant on Clean Air Day, which highlights how cleaner transport can help improve air quality – and why it’s important to make electric cars easier for people to try and, hopefully, buy or lease.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used electric car right here on Carwow. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Why driving one makes a difference

One of the most consistent findings in consumer behaviour is that experience helps build confidence.

After all, car buying is a major (and expensive) decision, and many drivers prefer to explore and compare options before committing.

In fact, Carwow data shows that:

• Nearly one in five drivers (18%) say being able to compare multiple cars side-by-side helps them make more confident choices.
• 30% of drivers want the freedom to explore cars without feeling pressured to buy.

The data suggests that direct exposure – such as sitting in a car, comparing, and test driving cars – can play an important role in helping people understand what suits them best.

Bringing that experience to life

In October 2025, Carwow hosted an event designed around this idea of hands-on discovery. The event, called Carwow Live, brought together a range of cars from Chinese manufacturer Chery, which recently launched in the UK.

The event gave attendees the opportunity to explore and compare models in one place, including Chery’s Tiggo 7 and 8 SUVs.

Visitors were able to look around these cars, ask questions, and get a closer understanding of the brand’s latest technology in a relaxed environment. One attendee even won the use of a Chery Tiggo 7 for two years as part of a giveaway.

At the time of the event, Mat Watson, chief content officer at Carwow, said: “Consumers told us they often feel pressured or rushed when exploring new cars, and can’t often compare models side by side.

“We’ve built this event to remove those barriers; no hard sales pitch, no hassle, just the chance to get hands-on and ask questions.”

Why test drives matter

As more manufacturers enter the UK market, car buyers are faced with more choice than ever before. That can be a good thing, but it can also make decision-making harder.

Events that allow people to compare vehicles in one place, without the pressure to buy, can help address this by focusing on understanding rather than persuasion. They also give drivers the chance to ask questions about things like charging, running costs, and day-to-day usability.

A recent report by automotive services and technology company Cox Automotive Europe suggests that initiatives such as public test drives or open events could help bridge the gap between interest in EVs and actual adoption, by giving people direct experiences of how they work in real life.

“Experience continues to be the biggest driver of EV adoption,” said Karoline Baumann, strategy & new growth director at Cox Automotive Europe. “The more people who get behind the wheel of an electric car, the faster confidence grows.”

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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