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T he recent fuel supply crisis, with weeks of drivers panic-buying petrol and diesel at the pump following reports of closed petrol stations, brought into sharp focus the fact that established assumptions can be rapidly up-turned. In the space of a few days, it was the drivers of internal combustion engine vehicles that were the ones experiencing range anxiety, not the EV drivers. What will this mean going forward? EV surge The recent fuel crisis in the UK has been cited as a reason for 19% of motorists spoken to for a survey being more likely to buy an electric car next time. The research, performed by digital garage Regit asked 7,000 UK drivers about their opinions on the situation. 71% blamed people panic buying for the shortages at forecourts, and 63% believed media coverage was a major factor. Only 8% said 60 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2021 TECHNICAL/EVS AND HYBRIDS www.aftermarketonline.net Will the recent fuel supply problems cause an EV cascade as drivers opt to go electric? EV POPULARITY TO SURGE? COVID-19 was a contributing cause. 31% said they were unable to buy fuel in the preceding seven days despite needing to and 15% admitted to panic buying fuel. 45% admitted experiencing some anxiety. 64% said the Prime Minister should do more to fix the crisis, while 35% wanted fuel companies to act, with 29% urging HGV companies to do more. 86% believed it is unfair that people were allowed to stockpile fuel via the filling of cans. Commenting on the situation, Regit founder and CCO Chris Green said: “It’s clear that our motorists are essentially blaming panic buyers themselves and the hysteria some media outlets have created as the primary source of the fuel crisis. I’m sure those opposed to Boris Johnson and Brexit will feel an added sense of frustration here. “However, as we saw with toilet roll back in the first lockdown, there is no doubt that scenarios like this simply