Shifting gears: electric cars surge during fuel crisis

Electric and hybrid vehicle sales are zooming ahead, accounting for almost half of all new cars. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

A record number of Australian drivers are choosing electric and hybrid vehicles, with the low-emission cars closing in on half of all new vehicles sales for the first time.

Motorists are slamming the brakes on petrol and diesel cars, with their purchases dropping by as much as 30 per cent.