One in four UK drivers would still choose a diesel car, despite the Government causing uncertainty about the future of the internal combustion engine.

An Opinium survey of 2,000 drivers found 29% would buy a diesel, and 57% say the issues around running an electric car are still too daunting to make them buy one.

Almost one in three said they would not know whether to choose petrol, electric or diesel if they were buying a new car or used car, suggesting the UK motor retail industry has an opportunity to demonstrate its expertise and educate more consumers.

The confusion is leading 31% of the drivers surveyed to keep their current car for longer while they seek to gain more confidence in their next choice.

Ben Wooltorton, chief operating officer of InsuretheGap.com, which commissioned the survey, said: “From 2035 or sooner, drivers will only be able to buy electric or hydrogen cars, however, looking at the results of this survey this looks like a big leap of faith for many consumers who are clearly unsure about what type of car they should be buying.

"You can understand why people are feeling insecure as we were told not long ago that we should all buy diesel, and now diesel is being banned.

"It seems that many drivers need greater confidence that the issues around running an electric car are resolved before they will commit.”