Over 70% of non-EV drivers say that increasing fuel prices have made them more likely to consider an electric car, according to new research.

Of 1,000 visitors to the Electrifying.com website – all actively researching electric vehicles – almost three quartes (73%) of those who don’t already drive an EV are now considering an electric car as a result of global oil price volatility.

The findings highlight how geopolitical instability and fluctuating fuel costs are accelerating interest in electric driving, with many drivers reassessing the long-term affordability and resilience of petrol and diesel cars.

The timing coincides with a significant expansion in both choice and affordability of EVs. Sales of new EVs in March 2026 soared by nearly a quarter compared with March 2025, while used electric car sales rose by 46% in 2025, with nearly 275,000 second hand EVs changing hands during the year.

A second-hand EV is now more affordable than ever, with used models such as the Nissan Leaf available from around £1,400; the Renault Zoe from under £5,000; and the Tesla Model 3 – the UK’s bestselling used EV in 2025 – from under £10,000. At current fuel prices, the financial case for switching has never been clearer.

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% surge in traffic to Electrifying.com week on week since the start of the US-Iran war, and that’s being reflected across the industry.”

However, Electrifying.com warns that the benefits of electric driving are not being shared equally, particularly for drivers without access to home charging. Government figures show that around a third of UK drivers do not have off-street parking, meaning millions rely on the public charging network – where costs remain significantly higher.

Buckley added:

“Millions of drivers will depend on public charging to run an EV. Yet they’re the ones paying the highest price. Charging at home can cost as little as 1.8p per mile on an off-peak tariff, but if you rely on the public network that cost can rise to around 18p per mile; ten times as much, and often more than running an efficient petrol car. Much of that added cost is down to the fact that public charging is taxed at four times the rate of charging at home, which simply isn’t fair. The Government can’t say it wants drivers to go electric while taxing those without a driveway the most. That’s not progress it’s a penalty.”

(Picture: Yay Images)