UK drivers are turning their backs on petrol and diesel faster than ever. Electric car interest has surged by 36% since February, as fuel prices hit painful new highs. The widening gap between charging and pump costs is convincing thousands that now’s the time to go electric.
Key Facts
- 36%: Increase in UK EV leasing enquiries since February 2026.
- £1.73: Diesel’s peak price per litre in the UK, with petrol at £1.48.
- Renault: Already beating its Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate targets – 34% of sales are now fully electric.
- 1 in 5: Used car enquiries for models under five years old are now for EVs, marking a record high.
- £20,000: Target UK price for the Renault Twingo electric – a potential game-changer for affordable EVs.
UK drivers ditch petrol as EV interest surges 36%
Rising fuel prices are fuelling a major shift in driver behaviour across the UK. With petrol now around £1.48 per litre and diesel hitting £1.73, motorists have taken a collective £307 million hit at the pumps – and they’re clearly reaching their limit.
Since February, EV leasing enquiries have soared by 36%, showing this isn’t just a short-term reaction. It’s a clear sign that drivers are ready to escape the rollercoaster of global oil prices and take back control of their running costs.
What this means for your wallet: charging vs fuel costs
The cost gap between running an electric car and refuelling with petrol or diesel has become impossible to ignore. For drivers able to charge at home, the savings are massive.
Using an off-peak tariff like Intelligent Octopus Go, you can charge an EV overnight for just a few pounds – a refreshing change from watching prices climb each time you fill up. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about the peace of mind that comes with predictable costs.
Renault leads the charge on affordable EVs
Carmakers are moving fast to meet rising demand, and Renault is one of the big winners. The brand has already blown past its Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate targets, with 34% of its sales now electric.
Even more exciting is what’s next. The upcoming Renault Twingo Electric, expected to start at under £20,000, could redefine the affordable EV market. For many households, that’s the turning point – a new, reliable electric car that feels financially realistic at last.
Used EV market hits record high
The ripple effect is just as strong in the used market. Nearly 20% of used car enquiries for vehicles under five years old are now for electric models, a record high.
According to Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at Auto Trader, this shift comes down to confidence. While fuel prices aren’t quite at the 2022 peak, their unpredictability has drivers craving the stability of electric running costs.
For many, it’s no longer a question of if they’ll go electric, but when. Whether it’s a budget-friendly used EV or a low-cost lease, UK drivers are clearly ready to break free from the pump once and for all.
