A poll commissioned by The Motor Ombudsman has shown that nearly half (48%) of UK car owners are concerned about owning a petrol or diesel model in the face of record fuel prices.
The cost of filling up an average family car with a 55-litre fuel tank recently hit £100 for the first time. As a result, the survey found there is an increasing likelihood of people making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) for their next vehicle purchase
The survey of more than 2,000 UK car owners revealed that individuals aged between 16 to 24 (64%), and those living in Greater London (65%) are among the most worried about petrol or diesel vehicles.
The study also found that, nationally, a similar proportion of male and female drivers (46% and 49% respectively) are apprehensive about owning a petrol or diesel vehicle at a time of soaring prices on the nation’s forecourts.
The research also showed that, out of those respondents who stated they were worried about owning a car running solely on conventional fuel, and favoured a move to plugging in when buying their next vehicle, a quarter of male drivers estimated that they would be purchasing an electric vehicle within two to three months.
Individuals falling into the 16 to 24 age category led the charge in terms of being the fastest to make the swap to electric out of any other age group. Here 33 percent stated that a change could be on the cards within eight to twelve weeks.
When looking at the results from a nationwide perspective, the study found that the city of Leeds had the biggest proportion of people (27%) who wished to leave pure petrol or diesel power behind within a two-to-three-month period.
Similarly, around a fifth of those living in London and Manchester said that they would consider getting behind the wheel of an electric vehicle within four to six months. All of this is extremely positive in terms of cleaner motoring and it’s good to see young people leading the charge.
Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of the Motor Ombudsman, said: “With fuel costs at unprecedented levels, and the likelihood of further increases coming, as we approach the height of summer, it is clear from our survey findings that the prospect of electric vehicle ownership is becoming increasingly attractive.”
