Electric vehicles may now be part of the mainstream conversation when it comes to car buying, but many potential buyers are still put off because they lack knowledge on their capabilities. That is the main finding of a new study by What Car?

The study of 9000 motorists rated their understanding of electric vehicles as they researched the technology over three months. Buyers rated their initial understanding at 2.7 out of five, rising to 3.4 after 10 days. However, after a month of research, the understanding actually dropped suggesting buyers came across potentially confusing or contradicting information.

When asked about their biggest concern regarding EVs, 40% of respondents said they are too expensive to purchase. However, when given the chance to research the cost savings associated with EVs, this fell to 35.6%.

The paper concludes that, car makers, dealers and the motoring media all need to do more to increase motorist understanding of electric vehicles.