Interest in electric vehicles (EVs) has surged across Europe following the outbreak of war in Iran, as soaring petrol prices highlight the cost advantage of electric power. Online car marketplaces in the UK, Germany, France, and Spain have reported significant increases in EV enquiries since the conflict began on 28 February.
Germany's Mobile.de reported a more than 50% jump in electric car inquiries in March compared with February, while petrol and diesel inquiries fell. Chief executive Ajay Bhatia described high fuel prices as a 'catalyst' for an 'E-Auto-Boom'. Volkswagen's ID.3 was the most popular battery car, supported by Berlin's €6,000 purchase subsidies.
Carwow, operating in the UK, Germany, and Spain, saw a 20-30% rise in EV inquiries between February and March across all three markets. In the UK alone, electric demand increased by 23% month-on-month. Iain Read, content director, said: 'We've seen a shift away from internal combustion engines for quite a while now. But what we've seen with the war is it’s accelerating.'
France's La Centrale reported a 160% surge in EV searches from early March to early April. Deputy chief executive Guillaume-Henri Blanchet noted that drivers are 'very sensitive to energy prices' and are seeking alternatives. AutoScout24 said demand for EVs rose by around 40% in Germany, Austria, and Italy, while petrol and diesel demand remained flat or declined.
Industry figures indicate that the trend may persist. Bhatia predicted that EV demand will settle at 'a new, higher normal', aided by improvements in charging infrastructure and lower prices. However, Autotrader's Ian Plummer cautioned that previous petrol price spikes did not lead to sustained EV uptake, adding that 'there is still work to do to ensure consumers are confident that electric cars can fit their lifestyles.'
