Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge

Less pain at the power point. Interest in electric cars is rising as petrol prices soar. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

Demand for second-hand electric vehicles is rising with the price of petrol, attracting more than double the number of enquiries since the fuel crisis began.

But automotive experts say the record interest also extends to new vehicles and could cause delays as motorists buy electric cars still en route to Australia.