The automotive data analyst Marketcheck UK has revealed that a growing number of Brits are buying used petrol-powered models, despite the risk of measures that could make running them more expensive in the near future.
Using data from June and July 2024, before and after the general election, the company found that sales of petrol models increased by 6.49 percent.
Alastair Campbell, motoring expert for Marketcheck UK, highlighted that there was a stark difference in the number of petrol and electric cars sold.
He explained: "These figures are perhaps surprising. They show a clear spike in the sale of used petrol cars immediately following the election, as well as an increase in both diesel and hybrid.
"Most interestingly, despite rises across the board - EV sales remained flat, with almost zero growth."
During the four weeks following the general election, Marketcheck UK highlighted that around 2,700 more used petrol models were sold than the four weeks prior - the biggest growth in the market at the time.
In comparison, sales of electric cars did not particularly increase, rising by just 0.16 percent during the same period.
This could be due to the significantly wider range of petrol-powered models for sale, which are still some of the cheapest vehicles on the market.
Alastair highlighted that the lack of used electric car sales does not reflect the stance of the Labour Government, who intend to bring the ban on new petrol and diesel models back to 2030.
He continued: "The reasons why are up for interpretation - but considering Labour's vocal support for a 2030 petrol ban, although now softening, this may highlight that used car buyers were spooked into making a purchase immediately following Labour's election win.
"On the other hand, Labour's strong support for the electrification of the car market might suggest a boost in the sale of electric vehicles, which did not come to fruition.
Whilst more drivers turn to the used market for a petrol model, some motoring experts are concerned that they could soon be more expensive to run.
With Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warning that the October Budget will be 'painful' for many, many have predicted fuel duty to rise in price for the first time since 2012.
Whilst drivers currently pay 53p for every litre of petrol or diesel, the price could increase by 10p, meaning motorists would typically need to pay an extra £5 when filling up their tank.
