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Who Gets to Go Electric? Inside the UK’s EV Affordability Divide
We delve into the latest findings of our No Driver Left Behind report, to see who can - and can't - afford to make the switch.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 22 January 2026 | 0 min read
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly mainstream in the UK. More than six in ten car buyers now say they would consider going electric for their next vehicle, and the used electric market is expanding rapidly. Despite this growth, our No Driver Left Behind 2026 Report shows that the benefits of electric motoring are not being felt evenly.
Our report reveals a widening “wealth divide” in who feels able to go electric. Just half of households earning under £40,000 would consider an electric vehicle for their next car, compared with 73 per cent of those earning above £40k. With the UK’s median household income around £36,600, this means a fair chunk of everyday drivers could miss out on potential savings and environmental benefits.
Our report reveals a widening “wealth divide” in who feels able to go electric. Just half of households earning under £40,000 would consider an electric vehicle for their next car, compared with 73 per cent of those earning above £40k. With the UK’s median household income around £36,600, this means a fair chunk of everyday drivers could miss out on potential savings and environmental benefits.
Affordability remains the biggest barrier
We found 70 per cent of lower-income households feel priced out and almost two-fifths of these buyers typically shop for cars under £5,000, but only a very small percentage of used electric vehicles currently sit in that bracket.
This gap means that, for many drivers, an electric vehicle is effectively ruled out before they even begin shopping. That’s now starting to change. On Autotrader, more early-generation electric cars are entering the used market, meaning a growing number of options under £10,000 and £15,000. Prices are softening and choice is improving, making electric ownership feel far more attainable than it did just a couple of years ago – in November 2024, a third of all used EVs were under £20,000 whereas now it’s two in five. The used electric market is expected to offer even more choice at lower price points over the coming years, giving us some cause for optimism. Car buyers may benefit from planning ahead and setting a realistic budget for their next vehicle, keeping an eye on the growing used market so they’re ready to make the switch when the right car comes along.
This gap means that, for many drivers, an electric vehicle is effectively ruled out before they even begin shopping. That’s now starting to change. On Autotrader, more early-generation electric cars are entering the used market, meaning a growing number of options under £10,000 and £15,000. Prices are softening and choice is improving, making electric ownership feel far more attainable than it did just a couple of years ago – in November 2024, a third of all used EVs were under £20,000 whereas now it’s two in five. The used electric market is expected to offer even more choice at lower price points over the coming years, giving us some cause for optimism. Car buyers may benefit from planning ahead and setting a realistic budget for their next vehicle, keeping an eye on the growing used market so they’re ready to make the switch when the right car comes along.
Car buyers could benefit from longer-term savings
Home charging can make electric vehicles much cheaper to run, with savings of up to £1,400 a year on fuel and maintenance compared with petrol or diesel vehicles. Yet concerns about upfront costs, battery life, and charging convenience prevent many potential buyers from progressing to a test drive.
So the drivers who could benefit most from cheaper running costs, savings of up to £1,400 a year for those who can charge at home, are often the least likely to start browsing. Planning a budget that accounts for upfront costs, running costs, and possible incentives can help car buyers see the longer-term value of electric driving.
So the drivers who could benefit most from cheaper running costs, savings of up to £1,400 a year for those who can charge at home, are often the least likely to start browsing. Planning a budget that accounts for upfront costs, running costs, and possible incentives can help car buyers see the longer-term value of electric driving.
Lifestyle and experience matter as much as budget
Our research shows that readiness to go electric is influenced as much by lifestyle, familiarity, and exposure as it is by finances.
Often, those who have driven an electric vehicle, know someone who owns an electric vehicle or followed reviews, are far more likely to consider switching. Seeing electric cars in action and understanding how they work – either because you know someone who drives one or because you’re reading the latest reviews – can make a real difference when weighing your next purchase. So ask around, do your friends know anyone who owns or have experience driving electric vehicles? Ask them what it’s really like.
Often, those who have driven an electric vehicle, know someone who owns an electric vehicle or followed reviews, are far more likely to consider switching. Seeing electric cars in action and understanding how they work – either because you know someone who drives one or because you’re reading the latest reviews – can make a real difference when weighing your next purchase. So ask around, do your friends know anyone who owns or have experience driving electric vehicles? Ask them what it’s really like.
Should you consider an electric car?The used market – and so affordability - is growing, transparency around battery health is improving, and public charging is becoming more accessible and affordable. All of this is making it easier for more drivers to see how an electric car could fit into their routines.
We’re helping drivers understand how electric vehicles could work for them. By providing clear information on running costs, available models, and real-world ownership experiences, and by tracking the growing used electric market, we’re aiming to make it easier to see when and how to make the switch. Exploring your electric car options today, planning for longer-term savings, and monitoring the used market can help you take the step toward electric when the timing is right.
We’re helping drivers understand how electric vehicles could work for them. By providing clear information on running costs, available models, and real-world ownership experiences, and by tracking the growing used electric market, we’re aiming to make it easier to see when and how to make the switch. Exploring your electric car options today, planning for longer-term savings, and monitoring the used market can help you take the step toward electric when the timing is right.