UK drivers ditch petrol and diesel cars as fuel £20 a tank higher

Motorists could be prepared to axe their petrol and diesel cars in exchange for battery electric vehicles as motorists battle rising fuel prices at the pumps. UK drivers could be set to ditch petrol and diesel cars for EVs as a direct result of rising fuel prices, according to experts.

A new study from the RAC has revealed as many as three in ten UK drivers could be prepared to make the transition as petrol and diesel fuel fees soar. A new study of 1,535 UK drivers found 30% are likely to consider an EV as a direct result of the high fuel prices.

Despite costs falling in recent weeks, the RAC has warned that pump prices still remain high, with the price of topping-up a family car with diesel £13 higher than in late February. Diesel owners are among the worst affected, with average costs to fill a car up £20 on the price paid earlier this year.

Rod Dennis, spokesperson for the RAC explained: "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."

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that electric cars now make up 26.8% of the market.

There have been over half a million new registrations this year, with around one million electric cars now understood to be on Britain's roads.

However, not everyone is convinced, with a recent poll from the Daily Mail suggesting that many still had no intention of going electric. A survey of more than 6,000 individuals revealed 54% were unconvinced of swapping vehicles.

Rod added: "Younger drivers are unfortunately feeling the pain more than any other age group, with a third cutting back on other spending significantly so they can afford to fill up their cars, and around a quarter using their cars less to save money."