Recent spikes in fuel prices have made fuel consumption the number one priority for new car buyers in the UK while also encouraging more than ever before to consider purchasing an electric vehicle.

A study conducted by CarGurus found that 57 per cent of respondents view fuel consumption as their number one priority when buying a new vehicle. Prior to recent fuel price increases, fuel consumption was the number two priority among 43 per cent of shoppers, behind reliability (57 per cent).

The study also revealed that Brits consider road taxes to be the number three priority, placing it ahead of safety in number four, design and style in number five, passenger/luggage capacity in sixth, and ULEZ compliance in seventh. In addition, it has been revealed that only 57 per cent of respondents would have purchased the car they currently own had fuel prices been the same as they are today. Almost a quarter (23 per cent) added they would have chosen a model that was cheaper to run.

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More expensive fuel has also prompted car owners to cut down on driving with 47 per cent avoiding unnecessary car journeys, 37 per cent choosing to walk more often, and 18 per cent using public transport. High fuel prices have also prompted the average motorist to drive 17.8 miles fewer per week.

High fuel prices also mean more people are considering EVs than ever before. In fact, 22 per cent of respondents have started considering an EV since fuel price rises. This means no less than 51 per cent of British motorists are considering making the switch, although factors such as cost, lack of public charging infrastructure, lack of domestic infrastructure, and range anxiety are among the factors dissuading them from buying an EV.

“Recent fuel price rises have clearly had a significant impact on the way that UK drivers not only use their existing cars, but shop for their next cars too, with fuel consumption ranking as the number one factor when in the market,” CarGurus editor Chris Knapman said. “To help manage high fuel costs, our experts have compiled some easy fuel-saving tips to help motorists maximise their mpg. And for those thinking about changing cars, our new Fuel Chooser can help decide whether petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric power is best.”