Rising costs are fuelling a change in driving habits.

These are the conclusions of new research by Novuna Vehccle Solutions.

Filling up

Both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) drivers are adapting their driving styles to reduce their operating costs.

Two-in-three (63%) ICE drivers and two-in-five (42%) EV owners are employing new driving methods. These include driving more cautiously, not leaving the window open, and emptying the boot to make the car lighter.

Changing habits

A quarter (24%) of EV drivers have also begun to use their cars less frequently. Instead, they are electing to use other modes of transportation, including walking.

Other cost-cutting measures include a third (32%) of motorists saying they were charging their EV at home more regularly in order to avoid higher tariffs on public charge points.

Record bills

The findings are from a poll of 2,000 motorists conducted in July and coincide with bank busting fuel bills. Inflation is now at a 40-year high.

Energy regulator Ofgem has announced a record jump in the energy price cap. Domestic fuel bills are to rise 80% in October and are likely to rise further in March.

Transport fuel prices have also hit fresh highs in 2022. Novuna’s research shows that a third of ICE drivers (35%) are “extremely” concerned about the current cost of fuel. Furthermore, half (50%) are now likely to switch to an EV for their next car.

Opportunities to reduce or subside fuel costs means that 85% of EV drivers are likely to make their home charger available to the public if they could charge fellow motorists to use it. Just over a quarter (27%) are considering fitting solar panels or heat pumps to reduce reliance on the National Grid.

Plugging in to the new world

Jon Lawes, managing director of Novuna Vehicle Solutions, says the cost of living crisis is accelerating changes in driving habits.

“The rising cost-of-living means households are considering all sorts of cost-cutting options ahead of what is quickly shaping up to be a winter of discontent.

“EV drivers who have previous benefitted from favourable home charging tariffs might now be looking to monetise their charger, to help with spiralling costs.

“It’s also encouraging to see that half of UK motorists are on board with the benefits of EVs, and now say they are likely to get one for their next car.

“Although the upfront cost of an EV might look more expensive in some cases, the long-term running costs will almost always be lower than for a petrol or diesel car, even accounting for soaring energy prices.”

Community

With more than 400,000 privately owned EV chargers, and homeowners with off-street parking able to charge up to £3,000 a year by sharing their charger with neighbours, so called ‘community charging’ is facilitating EV adoption for drivers who cannot install an EV charger at home while providing extra income for hosts renting out their charger, says Novuna.