Fuel prices are continuing to rise as the crisis in the Middle East worsens, putting greater pressure on the budgets of motorists around the UK.

With this in mind, many motorists may be considering switching to an electric car considering the possibility the war continues not just for weeks, but months to come.

However, electric cars, just like petrol and diesel cars, need insurance. Car insurance costs can be a major factor for people when it comes to deciding on what vehicle to get.

To help motorists, experts from Go Compare have named the cheapest electric cars to insure in the UK.

Joint top of the list are the Fiat 500E and Smart EQ. Both small city cars, one French and one German, Go Compare said they can cost as little to insure as £302.

They’re followed closely by the popular Renault 5 E-Tech at £351 in third, and the Kia Soul EV in fourth at £357. Just two pounds behind in fifth is the cheapest electric car to buy, the Dacia Spring at £359.

Go Compare also looked at the most expensive electric cars too, with the organisation’s Steve Ramsey commenting on the best ways for people to keep their premiums low.

He said: “There’s nearly a £600 difference between the cheapest and most expensive EVs to insure according to our data. That’s a significant annual cost that a lot of buyers don’t factor in when they’re buying an EV. My advice is always to check the insurance group before you fall in love with a model.”

It is important to consider that car insurance cost will depend on several factors outside of the car model, including such factors as where it’s parked and the driver’s history.

Whilst the cost to insure an electric car can, depending on the model, be quite low, other experts are warning there is a growing problem in the UK, the demand for the cars.

Although the number of electric cars on the road has risen sharply in recent years, figures in the world of motoring are warning that people should not be pushed towards them.

Writing in Auto Express, Paul Barker remarked that there needs to be a change of philosophy ahead of the Labour government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate due to come into force in 2030.

Mr Barker said: “The mandate targets are a real stretch going forward, because too few drivers see the plus side of EVs and no-one likes having to do something because the Government tells them to.”

He added: “We need to work out how to get people to move to the tech, when they feel confident that it’s the best solution and are excited to make the transition, while still offering something to those who can’t or won’t buy an EV.”