More people are considering making the switch to electric car ownership as anxiety over the cost of running petrol and diesel cars continue to grow, new research has revealed.
Almost half (48%) of those who took part in the Motor Ombudsman poll indicated record fuel prices made the likelihood of their next purchase being battery-powered all the more likely.
Of the 2,000 people surveyed, those in the 16-24 age bracket were found to be the most worried about having a car powered by an internal combustion engine at 64%. Nationally, 46% of men and 49% of women expressed a similar view.
In recent days, pump prices have reached record highs, with the cost of filling up an average-sized family car with a 55-litre tank surpassing the £100 for the first time in history.
Motoring organisation the RAC has warned road users to “brace themselves” for further increases, with the AA predicting much tougher times as the busy summer holiday period looms.
With the price of petrol currently around the £8-a-gallon mark, a quarter of male drivers also indicated to the Motor Ombudsman that they would be purchasing an electric car within the next two to three months.
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.”
Now, more than ever, car manufacturers are broadening their electric car portfolio, with an even greater number creating standalone EV sub-brands. Volkswagen has established ‘ID’ and this currently comprises the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5 models.
While the German manufacturer continues to sell petrol and diesel cars, sister company Cupra – the sporting arm of Seat – is entering a phase of going fully electric by 2030.
Earlier this month, it pulled the covers off the 2024 Cupra Tavascan electric SUV and the 2025 Cupra Urban Rebel supermini. Also due in 2024 is the Cupra Terramar – the final Cupra launched with an internal combustion offering.
A direct rival to the Hyundai Tucson, the Terramar will be sold with a choice of mild hybrid petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the latter purported to have an EV range of 62-miles.
Named for a Spanish coastal town near Barcelona, the Terramar will be built alongside the next-generation Audi Q3 at Volkswagen’s Györ plant in Hungary.
