A motoring dealer has reported “queues” for electric vehicles with demand almost tripling in recent weeks. Motor trade expert Fraser Brown, the founder and managing director of automotive consultancy MotorVise, and co-founder of used car dealership Browns of Richmond in North Yorkshire, suggested buyers were paying closer attention to EVs in the wake of rising fuel costs.
Petrol and diesel prices have soared since the end of February, with diesel owners now paying £105.22 to top-up a 55-litre family car, £27 more than at the start of the disruption. Meanwhile, the cost of filling-up a petrol car is now £87, a £14 increase than it was before the conflict in the Middle East impacted fuel fees.
Fraser stressed buyers arriving at forecourts were now seeing EVs could be a “financial no-brainer”.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Fraser said: “Normally we would sell 15 electric vehicles a week and we have sold 40 over the last seven days. When petrol and diesel spike, drivers suddenly pay much closer attention to what it actually costs to run their car.
“This time, the difference is huge. You can do 100 miles in an electric vehicle for around £1 on a cheap overnight tariff, compared with £15 to £18 in a petrol car. Once people become aware of this huge gulf, it’s a financial no-brainer. We’re also seeing much more confidence in used EVs. Prices have come down, and buyers are realising they’re good value and perfectly usable day-to-day.”
Research has shown that demand for electric models could increase as petrol and diesel fuel fees rise. A study from Cazoo & Motors’ Consumer Insight Panel found that 44% of non-EV owners would consider an EV alternative if fuel prices hit or exceed £2 per litre.
Dealers across the country have reported similar findings, with new data from Carwow, seen exclusively by Express.co.uk, finding electric car enquiries were up 23% since the end of February. The motoring group found that second-hand electric car demand was up by a staggering 30% over the last few weeks.
Meanwhile, Robert Forrester from Vertu Motors revealed that dealers were seeing more hesitant customers considering EVs, with rising fuel costs proving to be the tipping point for many.
