Fuel price rises are pushing more motorists to switch to electric vehicles, according to NRMA Insurance.

The IAG brand says it recorded a 15% rise in requests for EV insurance quotes during the first two weeks of March compared with the same period last month.

The shift comes as the US and Israel’s war with Iran drives up oil prices.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the Electric Vehicle Council say EVs account for about 12% of all new car sales in Australia – the highest recorded proportion.

“We’re seeing attitudes shift as more EV models become available and drivers weigh up the long-term cost of fuel,” NRMA Insurance automotive research head Shawn Ticehurst said.  

NRMA Insurance has also reported a 56% increase in EV policy sales compared with March last year.

IAG says EV covers make up about 2% of all its motor policies, and the proportion is tipped to increase to 10% by the end of the decade.  

Tesla cars account for about 60% of insured EVs, but there is “rapid growth among other brands”, according to the insurer.

Mr Ticehurst says consumer concerns about “expensive EV repairs and insurance are beginning to shift”, after previous research showed only 20% of Australians were considering an EV as their next vehicle purchase.

“While we do experience longer repair times and occasional parts delays for EVs in some instances, these issues are reducing as the industry gains scale and repairers become more skilled,” he said.