UK driving behaviours are fast-changing due to the cost-of-living crisis, with many drivers now looking to go electric.

Half of the respondents said they were now either ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to switch to an electric or hybrid when they next change their car

A nationwide survey commissioned by Kia among 1,200 UK drivers looked at the impact of surging fuel prices and found the lure of electric driving continues to rise.

Of those with a petrol or diesel car, 52% of survey respondents said they were now either ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle when they next change their car. The survey also highlighted that Londoners were the keenest on electric or hybrid car ownership (56%), while those located in the East Midlands were least enthusiastic (38%).

Of those likely to change to an electric or hybrid vehicle, an equal number (42%) would choose a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle as those who would choose a fully electric vehicle, while 8% reported no preference.

Meanwhile, a significant proportion of UK motorists have already changed their driving habits to save money. A total of 37% say they are now using their car less for short urban journeys, and 37% have instead taken to walking or cycling ‘where possible’.

And a third (33%) of the drivers surveyed last month say they now pay more attention to where they can refuel / recharge their car more affordably. In addition, 28% say they now make more effort to plan journeys (e.g., times and routes) to reduce fuel usage.

When behind the wheel, 31% of motorists say they are focusing more about their own driving style to increase efficiency and save money on fuel, accelerating less often and keeping to a lower speed. This is particularly the case for younger drivers; 54% of those aged 18 to 24 have changed their driving style in this way, compared to just 26% of those aged between 55 and 64.

Yet, drivers are also looking for more advice on hypermiling. More than half (52%) wished they knew more about how to adapt their driving style to further reduce their fuel or battery energy consumption. Younger drivers aged between 18 and 24 were particularly enthusiastic about this (86%), compared to just 38% of those aged over 65.

Sanka De Silva, marketing director at Kia UK, said: “With the financial challenges tightening budgets, Kia can support UK customers to reduce some of this burden with a wide range of electrified products suitable for a wide range of customer needs, all offering excellent efficiency and low running costs, including zero emissions electric vehicles.”

He continued: “That’s not all, Kia is also introducing and developing a number of cost-saving services for customers. Kia Charge offers plug-in vehicle owners discounted charging rates across almost 70% of the UK’s public charging network. Equally, we offer fixed cost and inflation proof servicing plans, tailored to each customers mileage and age of vehicle. And of course, our industry leading seven-year warranty delivers long-term peace of mind for customers of new and approved used vehicles.”