High fuel prices drive rising EV interest
New research by YouGov has found that 31% of drivers aged 18 to 54 would consider an electric vehicle in the next 12 months if fuel prices remain high.
The average price of petrol is now 18% higher than it was March while diesel prices have risen 24%.
The study also found that 12% of drivers are already considering making the switch, and this would rise to 19% if fuel prices rose by another 50p.
Meanwhile, 38% said they are now more conscious of driving costs.
Consumer spending
Kelly Marshall, managing director of car and van leasing broker Gateway2Lease, which commissioned the YouGov research, said: “Although a deal has been agreed to end the conflict, fuel prices could take months to normalise, putting a further strain on consumer spending during the current cost of living crisis.
“But the good news is that by switching from a petrol car to an electric vehicle, consumers could save £980 a year on fuel costs alone. And it’s encouraging to see from our research that more consumers are open to the idea of having an electric car.
“The overall cost of an electric vehicle in the long term can work out significantly cheaper due to savings from charging at home compared to filling up at the pumps, and lower service and maintenance costs as electric vehicles have fewer moving parts.”
