British drivers have revealed their limit for how expensive fuel can be before they seriously consider switching to an electric vehicle.
Motorists up and down the country have been dealing with expensive petrol and diesel prices since the outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of February.
The Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have had a devastating impact on petrol and diesel prices as the cost of Brent crude oil continues to fluctuate around $100 (£74).
Fresh data from the RAC states that drivers are paying an average of 158p per litre for unleaded and 191.54p for diesel.
New research shows that many drivers around the UK believe paying £1.99 per litre for fuel would lead them to “seriously consider” an electric vehicle.
While petrol and diesel prices are stagnating as the United States and Iran conduct peace talks, experts are still concerned that costs at the pump could rise.
More than half (54 per cent) of motorists said they were more likely to switch to an electric vehicle if fuel prices rise further over the next 12 months.
This could be reached sooner than expected, as a quarter of drivers expect their next vehicle to be electric.
Motorists have stated that if fuel prices approach £2, they would ‘seriously consider’ an electric car
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Given the uncertainty around petrol and diesel prices in the short, medium and long-term, drivers may opt for an electric vehicle quicker than they had anticipated.
Charlie Harvey, motoring expert at Cazoo, said: “Recent political turmoil and the knock-on effect on prices of petrol and diesel are only serving to further influence consumer attitudes towards EVs.
“While the tide was already changing with regard to scepticism towards electric motoring, as petrol and diesel start to edge ever closer towards a historic £2-a-litre milestone, motorists are starting to consider the benefits and savings of a life with an EV.”
Petrol prices are still relatively far away from the historic peak seen in the summer of 2022, when forecourts were charging an average of £1.90.
Petrol and diesel prices have soared to their highest rates in more than three years | GETTY
Diesel drivers will be more concerned about fuel costs, especially as prices sit less than 10p away from the highest price of 199.02p on June 30, 2022.
The Cazoo data also showed that 45 per cent of drivers cited “global conflict” as a contributing factor in postponing their decision to buy a new car.
“Electricity as a fuel for your car can still be expensive if you have to charge at public stations and can’t install a charger at home for whatever reason – if your budget is small, you need an economical car and can’t install a charger, self-charging hybrids could still present the best middle ground,” Mr Harvey said.
GB News has rounded up the most expensive petrol and diesel prices around the UK, using data from the Government’s Fuel Finder tool.
Petrol and diesel prices peaked at almost £2 across the UK in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine four years ago | PA
Most expensive petrol prices
Asda Strensham Express Petrol, Strensham, Worcester (WR8 0BZ) – 185.9p
Welcome Break Oxford, Waterstock, Oxfordshire (OX33 1LJ) – 184.9p
Baildon Moor Garage, Shipley, West Yorkshire (BD17 6LB) – 182.9p
Shell Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire (HP9 2SE) – 181.9p
Central Garage Martley, Martley, Worcestershire (WR6 6PA) – 179.99p
Most expensive diesel prices
Westridge Garage Ryde LTD, Ryde, Isle of Wight (PO33 1AY) – 218.9p
A&C Cameron T A Blackwaterfoot Garage, Isle of Arran, North Ayrshire (KA27 8ES) – 207.7p
Hilton Park South Service Area, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire (WV11 2AT) – 205.9p
Ferrybridge Service Area, Knottingly, West Yorkshire (WF11 0AF) – 205.9p
Leigh Delamere West Service Area, Chippenham, Wiltshire (SN14 6LB) – 205.9p