New research has found that when considering sustainable products and services, Brits are most concerned with getting better control of their energy consumption (49%) and saving money (42%). Indeed, more than half of Brits (51%) would choose an electric car over petrol or diesel if they could save money or make money in the long-term.

However, the research – commissioned by OVO Energy, the UK’s largest independent energy supplier – suggests an overwhelming knowledge gap is stopping us from using the very technology that would achieve these aims in the long-term.

Based on the number of Nissan LEAF electric cars on UK roads at present, new vehicle-to-grid chargers could enable the cars’ owners to contribute more than 114 MW to the National Grid at any time; enough to power more than 300,000 homes.Home batteries also allow consumers to lower their energy bills by storing abundant electricity when it’s cheaper, and using it around the home when national demand spikes and energy is most expensive.

“From home batteries to vehicle-to-grid chargers, at OVO Energy we are working hard to join the dots for customers and show that there are practical, cost-effective ways to go green for the long-term.”

Short-term cost implications of renewable energy products and sources also proved a concern for shrewd Brits. Although almost half of UK (47%) adults that own or intend to purchase a car in the next 12 months would be put off from buying an electric car because of cost, 57 per cent would be more inclined to purchase an electric car if they received financial support from the government.

However, awareness of the Government Plug-In Car Grant – which can help people save up to £4,500 on a selection of environmentally friendly electric and plug-in hybrid cars – is shockingly low, with 79 per cent of people unaware of its existence.