A rise in petrol prices triggered by the conflict in Iran has led to a surge in used electric car (EV) sales across Europe, signaling a shift in consumer preference from traditional combustion engines to greener vehicles.
Online car platforms report that EVs are now the top choice, with recent models overtaking diesel in demand.
The conflict, which began on February 28, has disrupted vital shipping lanes, which carry about 20% of global oil supplies.
The disruptions have further contributed to rising prices at gas stations, with the average cost of petrol in the European Union rising 12% to 1.84 euros ($2.12) per litre between February 23 and March 16, according to European Commission data.
French online used car retailer Aramisauto saw its share of EV sales nearly double, rising from 6.5% to 12.7% in the three-week period.
Petrol and diesel models saw declines, falling to 28% and 10% of total sales respectively.
This phenomenon is reminiscent of a similar shift that occurred in 2022 during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, when soaring energy prices prompted consumers to switch to electric and hybrid vehicles.
Consumer interest in EVs has also been supported by automakers’ marketing strategies that emphasize fuel costs. MG in France, for example, launched a social media campaign that highlighted the high cost of petrol, while urging consumers to reassess their driving habits.
Market responses show that enquiries and interest in EVs have consistently increased, including in France (50%), Romania (40%), Portugal (54%) and Poland (39%).
In addition, the used EV landscape in Europe is now more mature with a wider range of models available and battery health certificates helping to ease buyer concerns.
This has allowed used EV sales to remain strong, even before the war began, indicating a continued shift towards electric mobility amid global fuel price volatility.
