Drivers set to abandon petrol and diesel cars over soaring fuel prices as EV interest surges

Felix Reeves
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:36:25 +0000

Millions of British drivers are more likely to switch to an electric vehicle because of soaring petrol and diesel prices, according to new analysis.

New research shows that a staggering 73 per cent of non-electric vehicle drivers are now more inclined to consider a zero emission car to avoid high fuel costs.

The situation in the Middle East, and specifically the Strait of Hormuz, has contributed to Brent crude oil prices rising above $110 (£82), forcing fuel prices to rise.

The latest data from RAC Fuel Watch reports that drivers are paying an average of 158.27p per litre of unleaded and 191.50p for diesel.

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The research from Electrifying.com notes that the changing habits come as electric vehicles are more popular than ever, with sales of EVs up by a quarter compared to March 2025.

Last month represented the best-ever month for electric car registrations, with the powertrain capturing 22.4 per cent of the total market share.

Used electric car sales also grew by 46 per cent in 2025, with almost 275,000 second-hand EVs changing hands last year.

Motorists who invest in second-hand electric vehicles are also seeing far lower prices, with a Nissan Leaf starting from just £1,400.

Other popular models include a Renault Zoe for under £5,000, in addition to the best-selling Tesla Model 3, which can be purchased for less than £10,000.

Ginny Buckley, CEO of Electrifying.com, said: "With EV drivers paying just pennies per mile to charge at home, it's no wonder volatile fuel prices are pushing people to rethink what they drive.

"We've seen a near 50 per cent surge in traffic to Electrifying.com week-on-week since the start of the US-Iran war, and that's reflected across the industry."

Some fuel prices are even higher than average costs, with a service station in Maidstone charging 196.9p per litre for petrol.

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Data from the Government's Fuel Finder tool shows that Stoke Row Garage in Henley-on-Thames is charging 230p for a litre of diesel.

Filling an average family car with a 55-litre tank would set drivers back £126.50, while van owners with a larger 75-litre tank would fork out £172.50.

Ms Buckley added: "The current crisis shows that the Government should think carefully about introducing new taxes, like pay-per-mile, on electric driving.

"Millions of drivers have already made the switch, encouraged in part by the promise of lower running costs - now isn't the moment to start adding extra costs on to those who've done the right thing.

"Fuel duty has been frozen for 15 years, so penalising EV drivers sends entirely the wrong signal."

The Government has faced growing calls to cut the rate of fuel duty to protect motorists from being slapped with high prices at the pumps.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed in last year's Budget that the Treasury would roll back the temporary 5p per litre cut to fuel duty, although the Government has kept this "under review" given the situation in the Middle East.

Under present plans, Labour would reverse the fuel duty cut by 1p in September, 2p in December and a final 2p in March next year. The Chancellor could decide to raise fuel duty in line with inflation from April 2027, which would be the first hike in more than 15 years.