Rising petrol prices are pushing a growing number of drivers to consider switching to electric vehicles (EVs). New research reveals that 70% of non-EV drivers are now more likely to explore electric cars, with Electrifying.com reporting that 73% of those not currently driving an EV are actively thinking about making the switch due to fluctuating global oil prices.
Electrifying.com highlights how consumers are re-evaluating the affordability and reliability of petrol and diesel cars for the long term. This shift is reflected in a nearly 25% increase in new EV registrations in March 2026 compared to the previous year. Sales of used electric cars surged by 46% in 2025, with almost 275,000 second-hand EVs changing hands over the year. Additionally, Octopus EV reports an 89% surge in EV leasing orders in March, signaling strong consumer interest.
Ginny Buckley, CEO of Electrifying.com, explains, “With EV drivers paying just pennies per mile to charge at home, it’s no surprise that fluctuating fuel prices are motivating many to reconsider their vehicle choices. Since the beginning of the US–Iran conflict, traffic to Electrifying.com has nearly doubled week on week, reflecting broader industry trends.”
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Buckley also points out the disparity between home and public charging costs: “While charging an EV at home can cost as little as 1.8p per mile on an off-peak tariff, public charging can spike to around 18p per mile—ten times more expensive and often surpassing the cost of running a fuel-efficient petrol car.”
A key reason for this price gap is the significantly higher taxation on public EV charging, which is taxed at four times the rate of home charging. Buckley criticizes this approach, stating, “It’s unfair for drivers without access to home charging to bear the highest costs. The government’s current taxation framework penalizes EV adoption rather than encouraging it.”
Buckley warns against introducing additional taxes like pay-per-mile charges on EVs at this time, especially as fuel duty has remained frozen for 15 years. “Adding costs to EV drivers who have already transitioned undermines progress toward cleaner transport,” she says.
Ben Marks, Managing Director of Electrify Research, emphasizes the financial appeal of EVs: “This trend is not temporary. The environmental benefits remain, but consumers are increasingly motivated by the cost savings. Auto industry messaging and strategy must reflect this structural change.”
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, reinforces this view, stating, “More drivers are discovering substantial savings by going electric. With global fuel prices rising over 20% in the last month and more affordable EV models available, now is the perfect time to switch to an electric car. What’s good for the planet also benefits your wallet.”