Three in ten UK drivers are prepared to abandon petrol and diesel cars for electric vehicles as fuel prices remain high, according to a new study by the RAC. The survey of 1,535 UK drivers found that 30% are likely to consider an EV as a direct result of soaring fuel costs. Despite recent price drops, the RAC warns that pump prices are still elevated, with diesel topping up a family car costing £13 more than in late February. Diesel owners are among the worst affected, with average fill-up costs £20 higher than earlier this year.
RAC Spokesperson Highlights Financial Strain
Rod Dennis, spokesperson for the RAC, 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.” He added: “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.”
Electric Vehicle Market Growth
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that electric cars now make up 26.8% of the market. Over half a million new EV registrations have been recorded this year, with approximately one million electric cars now on Britain's roads. However, not all drivers are convinced. A recent poll by the Daily Mail of more than 6,000 individuals revealed that 54% remain unconvinced about swapping to an electric vehicle.
Younger Drivers Hit Hardest
Rod Dennis noted that younger drivers are feeling the pain more than any other age group, with a third cutting back on other spending significantly to afford fuel, and around a quarter using their cars less to save money. The RAC study underscores the financial pressure on households reliant on petrol and diesel vehicles, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting fuel prices.
