New figures reveal that almost three quarters (71 per cent) of British motorists would consider driving an electric car to help combat ‘green’ issues, according to research by esure car insurance.

Younger motorists are more likely to buy environmentally-friendly cars such as electric, hybrid or bio-fuel; a huge 81 per cent of under 25’s would contemplate driving an electric car.  This may be due to the associated lower costs of motoring - freedom from high petrol prices, road tax and congestion charges plus access to cut-price parking⁽²⁾ – in addition to a general empathy towards environmental issues.

However, the over 55’s appear more set in their ways with a significantly lower number of those surveyed (66 per cent) considering to make such a change to their regular car buying decision-making.

According to the poll, 65 per cent of motorists questioned have changed their attitude towards driving because of the credit crunch and a general tightening of the nation’s purse strings.  Nearly one in five (17 per cent) are thinking about changing their car to one that is more fuel-efficient.  A further 14 per cent of those surveyed said they would consider making a change if the current level of inflation persisted and fuel prices continued to rocket.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure car insurance, said:  “With the growing cost of motoring and the pressure of having a greener lifestyle, many motorists are considering alternatives and the electric car is an attractive option.  It is very cheap to run and you’ll never be stung at the petrol pump again. 

“If fuel prices continue to rise, we may see more drivers switching to electric cars because Britain’s motorists are definitely feeling the pinch when it comes to the costs associated with running a car.

“But although there is clearly a demand for them, the only way for electric cars to become a viable option is to have a sufficient infrastructure in place, such as sufficient plug in points across the country, and a greater choice of make and models to suit all types of motorists and family sizes.”

The research also highlighted that people in the North West were most likely to consider driving an electric car (75 per cent) whilst motorists in Scotland were the least likely to think about switching their cars (65 per cent).