News
Why more UK drivers are turning to electric cars right now
UK drivers are swapping fuel volatility for price stability. See the latest data on used EV trends and how much you could save today.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 17 April 2026 | 0 min read
If you’ve been keeping an eye on fuel prices lately, you’re not alone. Since the outbreak of the Iran war, we’ve seen a clear shift in how people are thinking about their next car, and it’s accelerating interest in electric vehicles (EVs).
EV interest is climbing fast, especially in used cars
Since the first strikes at the end of February, we’ve seen:
• A 28% increase in new electric car enquiries • A 15% rise in used EV enquiries (0–5 years old) • Used EVs now make up 19.5% of all enquiries in that age group, the highest share we’ve ever recorded Electric vehicles still account for only a small percentage of cars on UK roads, yet nearly one in five buyers looking at newer used cars is now considering electric. In simple terms: more people than ever are actively weighing up the switch.
• A 28% increase in new electric car enquiries • A 15% rise in used EV enquiries (0–5 years old) • Used EVs now make up 19.5% of all enquiries in that age group, the highest share we’ve ever recorded Electric vehicles still account for only a small percentage of cars on UK roads, yet nearly one in five buyers looking at newer used cars is now considering electric. In simple terms: more people than ever are actively weighing up the switch.
Why EVs feel like a safer bet
One of the biggest appeals of going electric right now is stability.
With a petrol or diesel car, your running costs can change quickly depending on global events. With an EV, you’re far less exposed to that volatility, especially if you charge at home or on a fixed tariff. That means: • More predictable monthly costs • Less sensitivity to oil price shocks • Greater control over how and when you “fuel” your car One of the key benefits of owning an EV – if you can charge at home – is the overall savings in total cost of ownership. If you look at maintenance costs, insurance, servicing, tax and fuel costs it’s been reliably cheaper to run an EV for a while now. We’re seeing growing awareness of this and the spike in petrol prices has drawn further attention to lower running costs for those who make the electric switch. The Department for Transport have calculated that drivers can save by driving an EV and Zapmap, the public charging people, have calculated that those who can charge at home can save up on fuel costs.
With a petrol or diesel car, your running costs can change quickly depending on global events. With an EV, you’re far less exposed to that volatility, especially if you charge at home or on a fixed tariff. That means: • More predictable monthly costs • Less sensitivity to oil price shocks • Greater control over how and when you “fuel” your car One of the key benefits of owning an EV – if you can charge at home – is the overall savings in total cost of ownership. If you look at maintenance costs, insurance, servicing, tax and fuel costs it’s been reliably cheaper to run an EV for a while now. We’re seeing growing awareness of this and the spike in petrol prices has drawn further attention to lower running costs for those who make the electric switch. The Department for Transport have calculated that drivers can save by driving an EV and Zapmap, the public charging people, have calculated that those who can charge at home can save up on fuel costs.
The cycle of fuel price change is driving buyer behaviour change
This isn’t the first time fuel prices have pushed drivers towards electric. We saw a similar spike in interest in 2022.
But the market has matured since then, and buyers are more aware of their alternative options: • There are more used EVs available than ever before • Prices are becoming more accessible • Charging infrastructure continues to improve • Popular models like the Volkswagen ID.3 have helped bring EVs into the mainstream • All of that makes it easier for interest to turn into real-world adoption. That said, we also know that spikes in interest don’t always translate into long-term change. Some drivers still have questions around range, charging, and whether an EV fits their lifestyle.
But the market has matured since then, and buyers are more aware of their alternative options: • There are more used EVs available than ever before • Prices are becoming more accessible • Charging infrastructure continues to improve • Popular models like the Volkswagen ID.3 have helped bring EVs into the mainstream • All of that makes it easier for interest to turn into real-world adoption. That said, we also know that spikes in interest don’t always translate into long-term change. Some drivers still have questions around range, charging, and whether an EV fits their lifestyle.
So, is now the right time to switch?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but more UK drivers are seriously considering electric as a practical, and environmental, choice.
If you’re thinking about your next car, it’s worth asking: • How important is cost stability to you? • Do you have access to home or workplace charging or could these be installed? • Are your typical journeys suited to an EV? For many drivers, the answers are increasingly pointing in one direction.
If you’re thinking about your next car, it’s worth asking: • How important is cost stability to you? • Do you have access to home or workplace charging or could these be installed? • Are your typical journeys suited to an EV? For many drivers, the answers are increasingly pointing in one direction.
What we’re seeing and what it means for you
The recent surge in EV interest isn’t happening in isolation. Across Europe, demand has jumped sharply.
Electric cars are increasingly about providing certainty and security and when fuel prices can shift quickly, more drivers are making the switch or at least taking a closer look. If you’re browsing for your next car, it might be worth doing the same. If you’re not sure what EV is right for you, check out our tool
Electric cars are increasingly about providing certainty and security and when fuel prices can shift quickly, more drivers are making the switch or at least taking a closer look. If you’re browsing for your next car, it might be worth doing the same. If you’re not sure what EV is right for you, check out our tool