The majority of UK drivers would not be tempted to trade in their current vehicle for an electric car, new research from the Department for Transport (DfT) has revealed.

Despite considerable growth in the number of electric vehicles being witnessed on the roads over recent years, there remain considerable stumbling blocks to the widespread uptake of this form of transport.

According to the DfT's findings, 69 per cent of UK drivers state they would not consider purchasing this type of vehicle in the near future.

The main causes for concern for motorists highlighted by the study were a lack of suitable recharging points up and down the country (40 per cent) and the limited distance that can be travelled by these vehicles before they need to be recharged (39 per cent).

Furthermore, the cost of purchase was shown to be a major dampener of interest for 33 per cent of respondents. At present, just 0.3 per cent of motorists in the UK own an electric vehicle.

Overall, the report revealed that five per cent of drivers are currently thinking about buying an electric car, while 18 per cent have considered this in the past, but later decided that an electric vehicle was not for them.

Not all respondents were against such a purchase in the future though, with 37 per cent stating that improvements in total running costs might encourage them to change their minds, while a far wider availability of charge points could convince 17 per cent of motorists to make the step.

The DfT's report also revealed the most important factors individuals take into account when planning the purchase of a new vehicle, with cost a major issue for 85 per cent of respondents.

Reliability came in a close second with 78 per cent, followed by safety (66 per cent), comfort (53 per cent) and environmental impact (44 per cent).

Other issues buyers focus on when planning to change vehicle are interior space/boot size (40 per cent), style, branding and in-car technologies (36 per cent) and performance (11 per cent).

Of those who highlighted cost as a major factor in their decision, price of purchase was shown to be their chief consideration, followed by fuel costs, maintenance and insurance.

Gender was also shown to be a determining factor in whether individuals would be tempted to invest in an electric vehicle in the future, with women more likely than men to state they had little knowledge of electric cars and the issues surrounding their use.

Responding to the findings, chief executive of the Institute of Advanced Motorists Simon Best said: "It is clear that the government has a long way to go to convince drivers that electric vehicles really are the future. 

"On the positive side, drivers are not worried about safety or comfort issues, but range anxiety and charging infrastructure remain real stumbling blocks."

He added the rollout of electric vehicles is something that could have key environmental benefits for the UK, but the only way to increase the likelihood of individuals purchasing these vehicles in the future is for the government to make long-term commitments towards the subsidy of their purchase.