An electric car leasing company has witnessed a 371 per cent increase in driving demand for hybrid vehicles since the turn of the year amid global uncertainty and rising fuel prices. The increase is against the same period as last year and experts at LeaseElectricCar.co.uk say the factors leading more people to consider electric vehicles are three-fold:

• Record breaking fuel price increases are a real driver for customers considering EV/plug in models
• There is more choice in the market compared to 2020 – around four times as many EV/plug-in hybrids compared to two years ago
• Manufacturers are more actively advertising and promoting their EV and plug-in vehicles as these lower their CO2 commitments

With the Government looking to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, there is increased impetus for motorists to consider investing in electric cars. LeaseElectricCar.co.uk says cost need not be a huge barrier for people who want to switch to electric.

LeaseElectricCar.co.uk has reaffirmed its belief more learner drivers should be encouraged to take lessons and tests in electric cars on UK roads – in the wake of COP26.

People have already learnt to drive in electric vehicles and also taken their test in one here in the UK. However, learner drivers who take a test in an EV will only be able to drive electric cars and automatic internal combustion engine (ICE) cars without gears – so this may be seen by some as a barrier to embracing electric vehicles while learning.

But without the need to learn how to change gears or to use the clutch, this might hold added appeal for some people who otherwise are not keen on learning to drive at the present time.

Other aspects of an EV which may require some getting used to include differences in braking, the lack of a noisy engine and instant acceleration.

There is also an argument that as electric cars become more mainstream, learner drivers should be given an opportunity to experience what it is like behind the wheel of an EV, even if they are also learning in a vehicle with a combustion engine too. This would help them to be more prepared and comfortable driving an electric car on UK roads once they have qualified.