Plug-in baby: Fuel prices turning petrol heads green?

One of the summer silly season surveys that caught our eye today shows that almost three quarters (71 per cent) of British motorists would consider driving an electric car.

Not surprisingly, it’s the younger generation (81 per cent of them) and not the Jeremy Clarkson-loving middle-aged petrol heads who are most predisposed to ditching petrol and going electric.

Far from being a sudden outbreak of environmental awareness, the biggest reason people are looking at more fuel-efficient cars is the credit crunch and spiralling prices at the pump – although some drivers did indicate a general empathy towards green issues.

The survey of just over 1,000 motorists was commissioned by online insurance company esure. Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure car insurance, said in the press release:

“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.”

But in the middle of the usual survey puff Pickard actually highlights a very serious point about the wider changes needed for electric cars to really break into the mainstream.

“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.”

Interesting but useless fact the survey picked up? Motorists in Scotland were least likely to switch to an electric car, while motorists in the North West were most likely.