White electric sedan at charging station at dusk. Car parked between two Fastned rapid chargers under wooden canopy with latticed roof. Purple-blue sky background. Chargers display '300' on digital screens

We're witnessing a historic transformation of British roads – one that's reshaping how we think about transportation. From a niche market to a mainstream choice, electric vehicles have become part of our daily landscape. This is hugely important as the 2030 petrol and diesel car ban edges closer.

With over 1.1 million pure electric vehicles now gracing UK roads, alongside 680,000 plug-in hybrids, we're seeing the most significant change in British motoring since the transition from horse and cart to the internal combustion engine. This article explores the current state of Britain's electric vehicle revolution and what it means for drivers today.

Current State of EV Adoption

The electric vehicle market in Britain has reached a critical inflexion point. As charging points spring up in neighbourhoods across the country and automotive manufacturers expand their electric offerings, we're seeing a fundamental shift in consumer attitudes toward EVs.

This shift is happening against the backdrop of global climate initiatives and local environmental concerns, but it's the practical benefits of EV ownership that are driving widespread adoption. With lower running costs, reduced maintenance requirements, and an ever-improving charging infrastructure, electric vehicles are proving themselves not just as an environmentally conscious choice, but as a practical solution for modern mobility needs.

Battery Electric Vehicle Sales Surge

The numbers tell a compelling story of rapid adoption. Pure electric vehicles now make up 22% of all new car sales – a target that aligns with the UK's new Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate for 2024. This represents a remarkable journey from being a rare sight on British roads to becoming an increasingly common choice for both private buyers and businesses. What's particularly encouraging is that this percentage is set to grow, with manufacturers now legally required to increase their electric vehicle sales year on year as we approach 2035.

Bar chart showing the UK Government's Zero Emission Vehicle mandate from 2024-2035. Original source: RAC.

Charging Infrastructure Evolution

The electric car charging landscape is expanding to match this growth. Public charging infrastructure has seen exponential development, with rapid and ultra-rapid chargers becoming increasingly common across the UK.

This growth is crucial, as it addresses one of the primary concerns for potential EV adopters. With the average new electric car now capable of travelling 236 miles on a single charge – well beyond the typical daily commute – and an ever-expanding charging network, range anxiety is becoming a concern of the past.

Salary Sacrifice And Government Incentives

The combination of salary sacrifice schemes and government incentives has revolutionised electric vehicle affordability in Britain. Through salary sacrifice, employees save 30-60% on new electric cars by using their pre-tax salary, while benefiting from the government's favorable 2% Benefit-in-Kind rate (rising to just 3% in 2025-26). There are still various government grants available to make use of, like the EV Chargepoint Grant for example!

This powerful combination of incentives makes the switch to electric not just environmentally conscious, but financially savvy for those who make the most of them!

The Remarkable Growth Story

The transformation of Britain's roads from petrol and diesel to electric has been nothing short of extraordinary. From representing just 1.6% of new car registrations in 2019, we've seen electric vehicles surge to claim nearly 17% of new car registrations in 2024. This remarkable trajectory tells a story of rapidly evolving consumer preferences and growing confidence in electric technology.

Chart showing UK electric car registrations from 2010-2024, split between Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). Taken from RAC.

Historical Progression

While electric vehicles might seem like a modern innovation, they've been part of automotive history since 1837. However, it wasn't until the 2010s that we saw the real renaissance of electric mobility, sparked by pioneering models like the Nissan LEAF, with Britain emerging as a key player in Europe's EV revolution. This early groundwork laid the foundation for today's transformation, where we're seeing growth in both new and used electric vehicle adoption.

Recent Acceleration Vs Common Misconceptions

The pace of adoption has been particularly striking in recent years. The UK has now surpassed 1.1 million pure electric vehicles on its roads, complemented by 680,000 plug-in hybrids. Fleet operators have been particularly quick to embrace the change, with commercial EV registrations growing at twice the rate of private purchases.

While this progress is encouraging, challenges remain. Common misconceptions about electric vehicle ownership persist, and the higher upfront costs can make them seem out of reach for many. However, the growing availability of salary sacrifice schemes and the emergence of cheaper EVs (say hello to the Cupra Born) is helping to bridge this affordability gap, making sustainable transport increasingly accessible to drivers across all income levels.

Market Share Developments

2024 represented a huge year in terms of Britain's automotive transformation. With manufacturers rapidly expanding their electric lineup and competition driving innovation, we're seeing more diverse and competitive options than ever before.

This market evolution, bolstered by supportive policies and growing consumer confidence, has created perfect conditions for sustained growth. Particularly encouraging is the emergence of a robust used electric vehicle market, offering more affordable entry points for drivers looking to make the switch.

Price Evolution And Affordability

Cost remains one of the most significant factors in the transition to electric vehicles. According to recent research by our research team at The Electric Car Scheme, 68% of people say affordability is their biggest barrier to EV adoption. However, the financial landscape of electric vehicles is rapidly evolving, with falling technology costs, emerging second-hand markets, and innovative financing solutions making electric cars increasingly accessible to more drivers.

New Vehicle Costs

While the initial cost of electric vehicles has historically been higher than their petrol counterparts, the landscape is rapidly evolving. The price gap between electric and petrol or diesel vehicles continues to narrow as technology advances and manufacturing scales up. October 2023 saw a huge 78.4% increase in EV registrations, despite higher upfront costs, demonstrating growing market confidence in their long-term value.

Second-hand Market Evolution

The second-hand electric vehicle market is booming, offering affordable opportunities for drivers to go electric. The UK used electric car sales hit a record high in the summer of 2024, with 53,423 EVs sold – a staggering 57% year-on-year increase, outpacing the 4.3% growth in the overall used car market.

As companies and lease providers release more EVs, the used EV market share has risen from 1.8% in the summer of 2023 to 2.7% a year later. Despite price fluctuations in 2023, including a 33.6% decrease from December 2022 to June 2023, the market has stabilised. This expanding availability of second-hand EVs is making the switch to electric mobility more attainable for cost-conscious consumers.

Government Incentives

As touched upon earlier, the UK government's commitment to encouraging EV adoption extends beyond the now-discontinued plug-in car grant. The focus has shifted to developing a comprehensive charging infrastructure, with initiatives like the EV Chargepoint Grant and On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme playing crucial roles in making charging more accessible for drivers.

But perhaps the most significant incentive for employees considering an electric vehicle is the advantageous Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rate. At just 2% currently (rising to a still-low 3% in 2025-26), these BiK rates make salary sacrifice schemes an incredibly attractive proposition. When coupled with the substantial discounts offered through salary sacrifice, the financial benefits of making the switch to an EV become even clearer. By capitalising on these government incentives and salary sacrifice savings, drivers can enjoy significant savings while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Total Cost of Ownership

When considering the full financial picture, electric vehicles often prove more economical than traditional cars. The numbers tell a compelling story: while a typical Ford Focus costs around £1,230 annually in fuel, a comparable Volkswagen ID.3 costs just £630 to charge – representing a £600 yearly saving. Factor in reduced maintenance costs (electric vehicles typically cost £143 to service compared to £174 for petrol vehicles), and the long-term financial benefits become clear, especially when accessed through salary sacrifice schemes offering 30-60% savings on new vehicles.

Infrastructure Development

The rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption in Britain has sparked a parallel revolution in charging infrastructure. As we approach the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, developing a comprehensive charging network has become a priority - here’s how we may imagine that to look in the next couple of years.

Charging Network Expansion

Public charging infrastructure has grown exponentially in recent years. Looking at rapid and ultra-rapid charging points alone, thanks to Zapmap, the UK network has expanded from just 3,871 devices in 2020 to an impressive 14,471 by the end of 2024.

This growth tells a compelling story:

The network grew by 43% in 2024 alone,
Over 3,100 new ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+) were installed in 2024,
Each year has seen accelerating growth: 1,261 rapid chargers were installed in 2021, rising to 3,411 in 2023, and 4,353 in 2024.

While charging costs have increased slightly - with rapid charging rising from 73p to 81p per kWh between December 2022 and 2023 - EV drivers still maintain a significant financial advantage over petrol and diesel drivers. The growing preference for faster charging is clear, with ultra-rapid chargers now delivering 45% of all charging sessions, up from 29% in 2022.

Stacked bar chart showing the annual installation of rapid (50-150kW, pink) and ultra-rapid (≥150kW, purple) EV charge points in the UK from 2021-2024, taken from ZapMap.

Regional Distribution Analysis

While urban areas have traditionally led the way in charging infrastructure, regional disparities remain significant. The South East currently stands as Britain's best-connected region with over 2,100 rapid and ultra-rapid charging points, closely followed by Scotland and the North West, each hosting more than 1,500 high-powered chargers. However, challenges remain in achieving equitable distribution - the North East and Northern Ireland show considerably lower coverage, with approximately 500 and 160 rapid charging points respectively.

These variations in infrastructure highlight the importance of balanced regional development. The Environment and Climate Change Committee will continue to push for more equitable distribution of charging facilities across the UK, emphasising that successful EV adoption relies on accessible charging for all communities, not just those in well-served urban centres. This is extremely important in getting more people to switch to an EV and in combatting fears like range anxiety!

Bar chart showing number of rapid and ultra-rapid EV charge points by UK region in December 2024. South East leads with ~2,100 points, followed by Scotland (~1,600) and North West (~1,500). Northern Ireland has lowest at ~200. Total devices: 14,471 — This chart shows showing number of rapid and ultra-rapid EV charge points by UK region in December 2024 from ZapMap

Home Charging Solutions

Charging at home remains the most cost-effective option for EV owners, with domestic charging rates typically costing 3p per mile compared to 18p per mile for rapid public charging. The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme is helping to make home charging more accessible, supporting the broader transition to electric vehicles. This is particularly significant as electric car sales statistics show that most charging (up to 80%) happens at home.

Workplace Facilities Growth

As electric vehicle adoption increases in the commercial sector, workplace charging facilities are becoming an essential part of the infrastructure network. More businesses are installing charging points to support both their fleet operations and employees' electric vehicles, contributing to the overall growth in EV market share. This development is particularly important as fleet operators continue to lead electric vehicle adoption, with commercial registrations growing at twice the rate of private purchases.

Consumer Behaviour Patterns

The transition to electric vehicles isn't just about technology and infrastructure - it's about changing perceptions and habits. Recent research from The Electric Car Scheme reveals that while cost remains the biggest barrier for 68% of potential EV drivers, consumer attitudes and behaviours are evolving rapidly as the market matures.

Early Adopter Insights

Early concerns about electric vehicles centred primarily on cost and range. However, as more drivers make the switch, these anxieties are being replaced by real-world experience. The growing popularity of ultra-rapid charging demonstrates this evolution - Zapmap data shows that drivers are increasingly confident using rapid chargers, with ultra-rapid charging sessions growing from 29% of all charging in 2022 to 45% in 2023.

Mainstream Market Transition

The market is moving from early adopters to mainstream consumers. This shift is evidenced by changing charging preferences, with drivers showing more sophisticated charging behaviours. While home charging remains the most economical option at 3p per mile, drivers are confidently mixing charging methods - from workplace charging to public rapid charging at 18p per mile - depending on their needs.

Range Anxiety Evolution

What was once a primary concern for potential EV drivers is becoming less significant. With the average new electric car now capable of travelling 236 miles on a single charge, and rapid chargers growing from 3,871 in 2020 to 14,471 by the end of 2024, range anxiety is being replaced by charging confidence. The extensive network of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers means drivers can now find fast charging options in most areas, particularly in regions like the South East, Scotland, and the North West, where high-powered charging infrastructure is most developed.

Charging Habits

Consumer charging behaviour has become more sophisticated as the charging network evolves. The significant price difference between home charging (£10.97) and public rapid charging (£15.83) for a typical charging session has encouraged drivers to develop smarter charging strategies. Rather than relying solely on one charging method, drivers are increasingly mixing home, workplace, and public charging options to optimize both convenience and cost.