Interest in electric vehicles has increased sharply across Europe following a surge in fuel prices triggered by the Iran conflict and disruption in global oil supply routes.
Since late February, petrol prices have risen significantly in countries including the UK, Germany, France, and Spain, while electricity prices have remained relatively stable. This has made electric vehicles a more cost-effective option for many consumers.
Online car marketplaces across Europe have reported a strong rise in EV-related activity. In Germany, Mobile.de, the country’s largest car marketplace, recorded a more than 50% jump in electric car enquiries in March compared to February. The platform also noted a drop in searches for petrol and diesel vehicles during the same period.
In the UK, Spain, and Germany, Carwow reported a 20–30% increase in EV enquiries, along with a rise in hybrid vehicle interest. In France, La Centrale said searches for electric vehicles increased by 160% over the same period.
Industry experts say rising fuel costs are a key factor driving consumer interest, as buyers increasingly focus on long-term running costs. Analysts suggest that EV demand could stabilise at a higher level if fuel prices remain elevated, potentially accelerating the shift away from internal combustion vehicles.
Overall, the trend highlights how global energy price shocks are influencing consumer behaviour and speeding up electric vehicle adoption across Europe.
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