More than half of British drivers are planning to switch to electric vehicles this year, marking a significant shift away from petrol and diesel cars.
This growing appetite for electric vehicles represents a notable change in consumer preferences, as current petrol vehicle ownership stands at 57 per cent.
The trend suggests a decisive move towards greener transport options among UK motorists and follows the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate which requires all new car sales to be electric by 2035 with at least 28 per cent being electric this year.
The number of Britons planning to buy a car in 2025 has more than doubled to 54 per cent compared to last year, according to AA Cars research.
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Drivers are more likely to purchase an electric car this year than any year prior
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A third of UK drivers are currently in the market for a new vehicle, up significantly from just 16 per cent in 2024. This surge in potential car buyers comes as the used car market offers increasingly attractive options for consumers.
The trend indicates a notable shift in consumer confidence, with more drivers willing to make significant automotive purchases despite ongoing financial pressures.
Among those exploring greener options, 30 per cent are considering mild hybrids for their next vehicle purchase while a further 14 per cent are looking at plug-in hybrid vehicles, with 10 per cent planning to go fully electric.
This shift towards eco-friendly vehicles comes as current diesel ownership, which stands at 32 per cent, is expected to decline with only 21 per cent of buyers considering a diesel vehicle for their next purchase.
The data also shows a clear trend towards hybrid technology as a stepping stone to full electrification, with combined hybrid options proving most popular among potential buyers.
Used electric vehicle prices offer attractive opportunities for buyers, with values remaining 10 per cent lower than the same period in 2023.
The Nissan Leaf has seen one of the most significant price drops, falling by 23 per cent, while the Renault Zoe has also become more affordable, with prices down 22 per cent.
These price reductions follow a wave of fleet-owned EVs entering the second-hand market, creating more competitive options for environmentally conscious buyers.
James Hosking, Director of AA Cars, said: “The surge in car buying interest this year reflects a renewed confidence among UK drivers. It’s also encouraging to see more drivers considering greener options, despite the fact that many household budgets are stretched.
“Buying a quality used car not only promotes sustainability but also helps drivers manage their finances better as the cost-of-living crisis continues.”
However, the report found that drivers’ budgets remained a key consideration for car buyers, with a third planning to spend under £10,000 on their next vehicle.
Around one in seven potential buyers have budgeted between £10,000 and £14,999, while 12 per cent are looking in the £15,000 to £19,999 range. Less than one in 10 said they were prepared to spend between £20,000 and £24,999.
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The ZEV mandate requires 28 per cent of new car sales to be electric by the end of 2025
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The latest AA Cars Used Car Index revealed that prices for popular petrol and diesel cars fell by four per cent to £17,364 in the final quarter of 2024.
Several models offer particularly good value, with the Ford Transit showing a 19 per cent price reduction. The Volvo XC40 has become 18 per cent more affordable over the past year.
