More than half (52%) of car buyers expect their next car to be an electric vehicle (EV), or a hybrid, according to a study conducted by MOTORS.

More than a fifth (22%) of consumers now expect to buy an EV next, the highest level recorded since MOTORS began the survey in 2018.

Of these potential EV buyers, 57% were mainly considering new cars, while 27% would prefer a nearly-new car.

Lucy Tugby, marketing director at MOTORS, said: “Despite the widely reported slowdown in the sale of new EVs to retail customers, our research shows the likelihood of buyers considering one for their next purchase is the highest it has ever been.

“The preference for new and nearly new is understandable in terms of gaining access to the latest technology and longer ranges.”

Despite high levels of interest in EVs, just 6% of those surveyed already owned one.

Three in 10 (30%) of buyers surveyed by MOTORS expected their next car to be a hybrid, while 11% already owned one.

Hybrid buyers were more open to older vehicles, with 37% looking at new cars, 33% preferring nearly new, while 30% were looking at used cars.

This increased interest in electrified vehicles came primarily from former petrol car buyers, with just 37% now considering petrol cars, down from 64%.

Diesel previously had a lower level of interest from buyers, at 20%, further decreasing to 10%.

Tugby said: “However, consideration for EVs is clearly higher than the day-to-day reality.

“We believe the primary barrier remains pricing, particularly in the used segment, although they are becoming more affordable as the car parc grows.

“We think it is important for dealers to be aware that consumers are openly thinking about the transition and consider these vehicles in their stock mix.”

The survey was conducted by Insight Advantage, as part of the MOTORS Consumer Insight Panel; 2,002 people were surveyed, who were all sole or joint decision makers on car buying matters.