Many young Gen Z motorists express apprehension when visiting gas stations.
In a revealing survey commissioned by online car retailer Cazoo, it has been uncovered that a significant number of UK car drivers experience anxiety when heading to a petrol station to refuel. The survey questioned 2,000 drivers about their feelings towards refueling and petrol stations, and the results suggest that 'refuel fear' could potentially lead some drivers to consider switching to an electric car.
The survey results indicate that 'refuel fear' is a complex issue, involving factors such as confidence, social pressure, and fear of mistakes. It's not just about the rising cost of fuel, but also these psychological aspects that contribute to the anxiety.
The leading cause of 'refuel fear' is the cost of petrol or diesel, a factor for almost half (49 percent) of those who said refuelling caused them anxiety. Concerns about queues were reported by 31 percent of those experiencing 'refuel fear', and ensuring they get their car close enough to a pump was a worry for 40 percent. Confusion about pump types was a concern for 30 percent, and female survey respondents were more likely to report anxiety about refueling than men, with 46 percent of women saying they had experienced 'refuel fear', compared to approximately a third (32 percent) of male drivers.
Harry Waring, from Cazoo, commented that filling up is a source of anxiety for millions of drivers, particularly the younger and less experienced. The survey findings suggest that 'refuel fear' may disproportionately affect younger drivers, with 62 percent of Gen Z drivers reporting anxiety about refueling. Close to a third (31 percent) of anxious drivers would drive an electric vehicle (EV) to avoid petrol stations.
The UK market in 2024 saw 381,200 new pure electric cars sold, surpassing Germany and making it Europe's largest market for electric vehicles. The leading car manufacturers offering the most purely electric vehicles (fully battery-operated, thus independent of gasoline stations) in the United Kingdom include BMW (with BMW and Mini brands), Mercedes-Volvo-Polestar group, Kia, Hyundai, and Volkswagen, with BMW's pool holding the highest electric vehicle share at 26% of CO2 fleet targets compliance, followed by others with varying shares.
Half of drivers anxious about refueling admitted letting their fuel tank run "dangerously low" to avoid petrol stations. Alarmingly, almost a quarter (24 percent) of anxious drivers have run out of fuel completely.
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how 'refuel fear' impacts the shift towards more sustainable transportation options.
