Dealers report long queues for electric vehicles, with sales nearly tripling in recent weeks due to skyrocketing fuel prices.
Surge in Demand Linked to Rising Costs
Motor trade expert Fraser Brown, founder and managing director of automotive consultancy MotorVise and co-founder of Browns of Richmond used car dealership in North Yorkshire, notes that buyers increasingly focus on EVs as petrol and diesel prices climb. Diesel now costs £105.22 to fill a 55-litre family car, a £27 increase since late February. Petrol prices have risen to £87 for the same tank, up £14 from pre-disruption levels influenced by Middle East tensions.
Dealer’s Firsthand Experience
Fraser Brown highlights the shift: “Normally we sell 15 electric vehicles a week, but we sold 40 over the last seven days. When fuel prices spike, drivers scrutinize running costs more closely.”
He adds that EVs offer major savings: “You can travel 100 miles for around £1 on a cheap overnight tariff, compared to £15 to £18 in a petrol car. This gap makes EVs a clear financial choice. Buyers also show growing confidence in used EVs, with lower prices making them practical for daily use.”
Broader Trends Confirm Shift
Research indicates rising fuel prices boost EV interest. A Cazoo and Motors Consumer Insight Panel study of 2,008 drivers found 44% of non-EV owners would consider switching if prices exceed £2 per litre. Additionally, 54% of non-EV owners plan to switch within the next 12 months if trends continue.
Carwow data shows electric car inquiries up 23% since late February, with second-hand EV demand surging 30% in recent weeks. Dealers nationwide report similar patterns.
