Drivers spend a whopping £56,000 on fuel during their lifetime – as 40 per cent of Brits consider switching to electric

MOTORISTS fork out almost double the average annual salary on fuel over the course of their lifetime.

Shocking figures reveal drivers spend in excess of £56,000 just to fill their tank – on top of insurance, tax, and maintenance fees.

Research commissioned by EDF Energy found the cost of petrol and diesel is a “serious concern” for drivers with 84 per cent arguing it’s “too expensive”.

And more than a third have been put off driving altogether due to high fuel prices.

The figures emerged amid fears over ever-increasing fuel prices and insurance premiums, along with clean air zone fees.

High fuel prices have even seen three quarters of British motorists resort to travelling further than their nearest petrol station in pursuit of a better deal.

The survey of 2,000 motorists found 40 per cent of drivers are currently considering making the switch to an electric vehicle – a move which experts believe could save them £41,000 over their lifetime.

Research also found fuel has proved so costly it’s prevented 24 per cent of Brits from driving to particular destinations, with a fifth purposely cutting down on the number of day trips and driving holidays during the past 12 months.

But it’s not just the cost of petrol and diesel seeing motorists use their cars less.

Sixty-nine per cent of drivers are concerned about vehicle emissions, and a quarter have cut down on visits to family members in the UK due to fears of global warming and air quality.

Beatrice Bigois, managing director of customers for EDF Energy, said: “Many of us aspire to owning an electric vehicle.

“This research shows that, not only will electric cars help motorists save money on their fuel costs, electric vehicles will help more people do more of the things they want to, like exploring more of the UK – all while helping the environment by reducing emissions.

“For this vision to become reality for more drivers, we have to make the decision as easy and attractive as possible for our customers.

“Our one-stop shop approach gives them access to a car of their choice, a smart charger and the low carbon electricity needed to power it, as well as a wealth of advice and information on EVs, helping more customers go electric today.”

EDF Energy has launched its Go Electric package for electric car owners, which includes up to 10,000 miles worth of charge for free.