Motorists in Greece are abandoning gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles in growing numbers as a result of the elevated cost of running them and switching to hybrid and electric models, which now represent nearly one in two new cars purchased, according to July sales figures provided by car importers.

This growing preference of motorists for electric cars has established itself as a steady trend this year.

In July, 38.3 percent of new car purchases were gasoline-powered models, down from 47.8 percent a year earlier, while new diesel-powered vehicle purchases last month fell to 13.7 percent from 18.3 percent in July last year, sector data showed.

On the contrary, purchases of new hybrid models rose to 34.5 percent in July from 24.3 percent a year earlier, while purchases of new electric cars rose to 10.1 percent from 5.4 percent.

A latest upward trajectory in gasoline and diesel prices has been a key factor behind the rising popularity of electric cars in Greece, along with subsidy support offered for electromobility choices by motorists and a growing charging station network for electric cars.