UAE: Rising fuel prices shift UAE residents’ interest to EVs – Gulf Digital News

UAE: Rising fuel prices shift UAE residents’ interest to EVs – Gulf Digital News

ABU DHABI: Rising fuel prices have led to a significant shift (52 per cent) in UAE residents’ attitude towards hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), according to a survey commissioned by Audi Abu Dhabi.

Petrol prices in the UAE continued to progressively rise from February to April, as global oil prices surged beyond $100 a barrel.

While residents’ intent to buy an EV seems strong, nearly 25pc stated that they are waiting for more options to be launched in the market to make a purchase. 14pc said they recently bought a petrol car but wished they would have purchased a hybrid/ EV instead.

The YouGov survey of 1,000 UAE residents explored how the rise in fuel prices is impacting the way consumers are thinking about their means of transportation.

Residents are planning their car journeys more carefully with a quarter saying they use public transport a lot more now, while 14pc of drivers have purchased an electric scooter/ bike to use over short distances. Remote and flexible working options are also helping residents mitigate rising fuel costs, with 19pc saving more on fuel expenses by working from home.

“Interest in EVs has continued to grow organically over time, however increasing petrol prices has certainly accelerated the