Fuel prices drive up sales of electric cars

DRIVERS are accelerating the switch to electric vehicles to beat crippling fuel price rises, campaigners say.

The take-up of EVs has rocketed in recent months as petrol and diesel prices surge following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Despite overall car sales plunging 15.8 per cent year on year, nearly 13,000 EVs were sold in April, 40 per cent up on last year.

EVs made up 10.8 per cent of sales, up from 6.5 per cent in April 2021. However, there is a growing

North-South divide, with roughly a third of all EVs in the South-east and London.

Ben Nelmes, of research organisation New AutoMotive, said: “Brits are discovering that EVs are a great way to beat eye-watering rises in petrol and diesel prices.

“Although areas across the UK are switching at different rates, the important thing is that motorists are making the switch and these figures are only going to increase.”

But Quentin Willson, founder of the FairCharge campaign, said EVs were still regarded as “middle class and expensive” despite the cost of ownership over four years being less than combustion cars.

He added: “The Government isn’t helping with its divisive VAT policy. Those with driveways and garages who charge at home pay five per cent VAT, but those using public chargers pay 20 per cent.”

Daily Express Environment Editor Steph Spyro has been named one of Britain’s 30 young journalists to watch.

Steph, 23, bagged the accolade after leading our Green Britain Needs You campaign, which calls on people to do their bit to save the planet. MHP Mischief’s Young Journalist Awards judge Natalie Kenway said her coverage made “a lasting impact”.