RAC research has revealed that 30% of drivers are more likely to consider an electric car next due to continued high fuel prices.
Fuel prices have softened in recent weeks but filling a petrol car remains £13 more expensive in late February while diesel drivers are paying £20 more to fill up.
As a result, 52% of motorists say they have reduced the amount they’re driving to save on fuel costs, with 14% doing so significantly, while 39% of those who are unable to reduce mileage saying they can’t comfortably afford increased fuel prices.
However, 58% also said they do not use fuel finders to locate cheaper prices, meaning they are still paying more than necessary.
Financial sense
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “This year is proving to be a record year for EV registrations, and our latest figures show the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is steering ever more drivers towards one next time they change. After all, having a vehicle that doesn’t run on petrol or diesel can make a lot of financial sense, especially for those who can charge up cheaply at home.
“But there’s no getting away from the fact the Iran war is casting a growing shadow over the millions of households who rely on petrol and diesel cars. So many drivers tell us they’re having to cut back on other spending just to afford to keep their cars running – which is further confirmation, as if it was needed, of just how car-dependent we are as a nation.
“It’s important to remember that every pound spent on fuel is a pound not being spent somewhere else – such as the local high street. So high fuel prices are bad news not just for households, but for the wider economy too.”
