With public charging rates still costing more than home charging, 16% of electric car drivers are saving money on charging costs by only charging their vehicle at work, with another 19% considering doing this in the future, according to Close Brothers Motor finance.
49% said they were driving less often to save money on fuel, using public transport or walking and cycling more.
The most common way motorists saved money was by paying insurance and road tax annually to avoid instalment fees (61%).
Rising congestion charges caused almost half (49%) of motorists to avoid toll roads or congestion charge zones.
A fifth (18%) cancelled or reduced their breakdown cover, and another fifth (18%) delayed or skipped a car service. A similar number (17%) have delayed fixing MOT advisories.
Saving money on fuel was a recurring theme, with 28% only putting enough fuel in the tank for a specific journey.
A fifth of drivers (20%) said they were charging family and friends for lifts, with 13% saying they would consider doing this in future.
A fifth had already downgraded to a cheaper vehicle, while 29% were considering doing so in the future.
The research also found that almost a third (30%) admitted they overstretched themself financially to get a nicer car.
John Cassidy, managing director at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “With an unpleasant cocktail of fluctuating fuel prices, high insurance premiums, widespread congestion charges in towns and cities, as well as contentious road taxes, motorists will be looking to save on the costs of running a vehicle wherever they can.
“Without doubt we are in a period where drivers are changing their habits to make owning a vehicle affordable within a difficult economic environment.
“Of particular concern from our research are the approaches to breakdown cover, and addressing issues with vehicles identified by MOT advisories – meaning motorists are risking their own safety to save money.
“Car dealers need to be prepared to support motorists in getting the right vehicles for their needs – and their smaller budgets.
“Education on which financial products are more suitable for certain drivers will be crucial to enable drivers to manage their finances and be able to pay their monthly payments.
“For example, if customers are looking to save costs by moving to an electric vehicle, there are used EV financing products available to offer.”
