Drivers more likely to ditch petrol and diesel cars after Labour rule change

British motorists are more likely to ditch petrol and diesel vehicles in exchange for electric models due to the new EV grant. Earlier this month, Labour confirmed a £650million electric car grant which would offer up to £3,750 off EV purchases below £37,000.

A new poll from Cazoo, revealed to Express.co.uk, has found that as many as 38% of consumers were now “more likely” to buy an EV as a result of the scheme. The motoring experts admitted an increase in demand for new and used EVs would "encourage more people out of” petrol and diesel models at the same time.

Speaking exclusively to the Express, Barry Judge, CEO at Cazoo stressed customers should start to see lower-priced EVs hitting the market.

He said: "From a consumer perspective, this is potentially exciting news, with nearly four in ten (38%) of new car buyers adding that the grant will make them more likely to purchase a new EV as their next car.

“Reduction in the price of new vehicles will put pressure on used EVs to reduce in price too. Consumers should see lower prices across the board.

“However, it should be noted that the grants only affect certain lower-priced EVs below £37,000 - this may not flow through to the premium end of the market.

“While new EV sales may increase, we would expect secondhand sales to follow suit and ultimately encourage more people out of petrol and diesel-powered cars, and into EVs.”

However, demand for electric vehicles still appears to be generational with younger motorists more open to change. A Find Out Now poll commissioned by CTEK found almost two-thirds (61%) of drivers currently in their 30s believe they will be driving an EV by 2035.

Only one in six (17%) of the same cohort think they will still be driving a petrol or diesel model in the next decade. The poll of 1,000 drivers, said older motorists aged 55 and above were the “least likely to switch”.

However, the AA has admitted that second-hand electric car prices are starting to fall with many individuals now likely to be able to afford one.

James Hosking, Director of AA Cars, recently said: "Used EV prices have fallen off a cliff in the past year, and for drivers who've been priced out of electric motoring until now, this is a genuine turning point.”