This is how motorists have changed their habits - to save money

As the economy falters, while fuel prices remain noticeably high, four out of ten drivers are forced to drive their cars less. Some have even chosen to switch to a cheaper car to reduce costs.

4 out of 10 leave the car parked

Through a Sifo survey, we took the pulse of Swedes to hear how they have adapted their driving habits in light of the economic situation. The most common measure by far is that those surveyed drive less (29%). But there are those who have resorted to more drastic methods to manage on a smaller budget. 8 percent have switched to a cheaper car, or are planning to do so. A further 4 percent have cut back on visits to the garage.

– The cost of owning a car has increased and when everything else also rises in price, many are forced to make tough priorities. It is not just high fuel prices that have made cars more expensive. Skyrocketing interest rates are hitting car loans and leasing fees hard, says Daniel Odsberg, sales manager at Kvdbil. However, he does not think that skimping on service is the way to go. That only risks making it more expensive later on.

– The best way to reduce car costs is to switch to a cheaper model with a lower mileage cost and to reduce fuel consumption, by planning your driving and driving more economically. Carpooling with others is also an excellent way to save on miles, if you have the opportunity, he says.

Electric car owners are doing best

Low-income earners are more affected by the new situation. In the income range of SEK 20,000-24,999, as many as one in two (49%) say they have made one or more changes to their car economy, compared with one in four high-income earners (27%). Small differences are visible between different types of fuel, but there is one exception – the use of the car. While one in three petrol or diesel car owners has cut back on car use, only one in eight electric car owners has done the same.

– Electric car owners are the big winners. Despite the winter price shock on electricity, the operating cost of an electric car is still clearly lower than for a petrol and diesel car. This means that electric car owners do not have to think as much about their driving habits, says Daniel Odsberg.

About the survey
The survey was conducted in Kantar Sifo's web panel during the period 12–16 January 2023. A total of 1020 car owners aged 18–79 were interviewed, of which 1020 people had access to a car. The web panel is nationally representative and recruited based on random selection. There is no self-recruitment in Kantar Sifo's web panel.