More than nine out of 10 dealers (92%) say events such as the war in Iran make more buyers think about switching to an EV, according to Startline’s May Used Car Tracker which questioned 62 dealers.
May’s Used Car Tracker shows 67% believe potential buyers are aware fuelling an electric car is potentially much cheaper than ICE, 57% believe that the speed of fuel price rises is a factor and 21% believe that the situation makes people feel economically vulnerable.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “The pump price surge seen in recent weeks and months has been rapid and substantial, and electric cars potentially offer a potential route for motorists to sidestep the worst of the situation.
“Our research shows an overwhelming majority of used car dealers believe consumers understand the potential for cutting costs offered by going electric and, with relatively large numbers of vehicles now available and arguably undervalued, interest may noticeably rise.
“Of course, there remain structural issues for many potential buyers – those without their own driveway will probably have issues accessing low-cost home charging – but for others, driving an electric car is becoming a more attractive economic proposition, dealers believe.”
Just 5% of dealers think consumers believe the price of electricity will go up substantially alongside oil and 5% of dealers think that petrol and diesel increases do not outweigh the overall cost of buying an EV.
