The Electric Vehicle and the market in the UK
The United Kingdom’s Electric Vehicle (EV) consumer sales market began in 2010. This is the year that the availability of the Nissan Leaf, turned the corner into a fresh new era full of electric powered vehicles across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as many other countries internationally.
The EVs that initially launched electric driving in the British Isles had fairly small ranges and some of the batteries did not last more than a few years. Some time ago these worrying aspects gave EVs a reputation that cast doubt about long term reliability, compared to petrol and diesel cars.
In 2026 new and recently produced EVs now have both impressive reliability and battery distance ranges. New and lightly used EVs usually arrive with excellent warrantees from manufacturers to underscore the brands confidence in their technically sophisticated cars. (1)
Generally, EVs produced in 2020 and the years after that to date, have batteries and equipment that can be maintained and fixed if required, in a straightforward manner.
However, there are some older models in less successful car brands that have run into problems. For example, when it has not been possible to reprogram certain computer management systems that control important aspects of the car retrospectively, so it is worth researching online and checking these factors with the dealer or sales person before purchasing a second-hand EV from a car brand that is in business today.
Environmental emissions and restricted driving zones
London and other big cities in Europe have emission fines and restrictions. Driving an EV ensures the most freedom and flexibility possible whether driving into town as a city dweller, professional, tourist or other visitor. Instead of burning fossil fuels in a standard diesel or petrol auto mobile that pollutes the air in both residential communities and commercial built-up areas, EVs keep everything peaceful and healthier, for all residents of every age.
Other cities in the UK, such as Bristol, are considering plans to extend their current clean air zones for commercial traffic, to include emissions fines for any car traffic that pollutes wishing to enter their central city areas. The scheme is planned to be introduced in Bristol in the near future. Therefore, EV owners can travel more freely and at lower cost running on ‘clean fuel’ compared to conventional engine cars.
Rising fuel price trend makes EVs attractive option
This July the current international political situation has featured the frequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz which is a key commercial shipping route which passes through the territorial waters of Iran and Oman.
Last month the announcement that “Dozens of ships head through Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran deal” was a welcome BBC News report for anyone filling up their cars at the pump and seeing prices that are significantly more expensive per litre, than at the beginning of this year. The US-Iran peace agreement is at best fragile and ‘still in the negotiation stage’ and it is unclear ‘if and when’ this important global trade energy channel will be flowing smoothly, without any further disruption or conflict. It could be some time before confidence is re-established and stable fuel routes become the norm for the energy industry once again.
The consistent flow of fuel around the world from oil producing countries is facing some unpredictability at present and the war between Russia and Ukraine has also affected energy prices. Oil import prices are agreed some months in advance and the recent closures and the supply volatility may show up in leading to more higher prices at petrol stations and energy bills for consumers, over the coming weeks and months. (3)
Consequently, the economic outlook for fuel prices is currently an upward or uncertain trend for residents in the United Kingdom, and also in many countries in the western world, who currently rely on imports of oil and gas, to fulfil most of their country’s demand for oil to power petrol and diesel transportation. (4) (15)
It is worth mentioning that EV owners will also be affected by the rise in energy prices whether they fill up at home or in a public charging station or a combination of these two options. However, the slight percentage rise is not as noticeable or significant in terms of overall electricity cost to charge up to a full battery. This is because when filling up an EV battery, compared to a traditional petrol or diesel motor tank, the original total cost to fill up an EV is proportionally so much lower (at around a quarter of the price) compared to petrol or diesel cars. (5)
Who buys EVs in the UK and what infrastructure do they need?
An important factor when considering investing in an EV is UK infrastructure improvements. Hundreds more EV charging stations are popping up in towns and cities across Great Britain and beyond.
In 2026 a flurry of international car producers bringing forward fresh automobile models has enabled more designer EVs to arrive on the new car sales market, at competitive and tempting prices. There are some excellent lease deals at the moment from successful EV companies such as Tesla who are offering new car lease schemes that allow customers to drive a new EV immediately. An example is a Hire Purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) Tesla model 3, for around £249 per month with 0% APR financing. Alternatively Business Contract Hire (BCH) deals on a Tesla model 3 start around £225 per month (6)
The original group of EV drivers in the UK who purchased one of the first or second wave of EVs, from anything between three and fifteen years ago, are now being enticed to part exchange their much pre-loved vehicles for exciting brand-new EV options. These new EVs come with heaps of the latest upgraded features.
People who switched to driving an EV comparatively early in the timeline of EVs becoming available in the United Kingdom are now often selling their initial EV motors privately to a variety of new owners, who are experiencing owning an EV for the first time. Many customers who usually buy second-hand cars now find they can afford to take the plunge and are able to go and purchase an EV this season.
Although the increased affordability of investing in either a ‘straight off the assembly line’ or a pre-loved motor makes EVs an attractive option, there are still some practical barriers that prevent drivers from choosing to purchase a new or second-hand EV.
These include more than a third of UK residents not having space to install an EV home charging point on a driveway or similar private parking space. This means if they choose to invest in an EV they will have to visit a charging station to charge up their cars regularly which takes time and sometimes pre-booking charging slots in advance.
As the option to charge EVs quicker than ordering and drinking a cup of coffee becomes more common for many models, this essential battery top activity is less of an inconvenience for EV drivers. Inevitably having to go to a specific charging location for a given amount of time quite frequently (for example once or twice a week) is likely to put some drivers off choosing an EV, especially if there are not very many charging stations (and consequently car charging spaces) in their local residential area yet. (7)
Not every area in the United Kingdom currently has good EV station infrastructure for charging EVs. This national facility network is improving annually due to cooperation between the government and utility and energy providers. However more rural locations and far-flung constituencies are still struggling to provide enough charging stations to encourage auto-mobile owners in these areas to choose EVs. (8) (14)
UK Legislation is slowly phasing out traditional fuel cars in favour of EVs
In 2020 Boris Johnson’s government announced that no new petrol and diesel sales would be allowed in the UK after 2030 so therefore just EV sales would be possible. The Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate introduced by the Conservatives in Westminster aimed to phase out selling petrol and diesel cars by 2030 completely.
However, since then economic pressures mean a ‘watering down’ of this target has occurred meaning that the specific percentage of new EV cars to be sold by 2030 will likely be between 50% and 70% (with the remainder allowed to be new petrol and diesel cars). (9)
There is still pressure for manufacturers to sell more electric vehicles through mandated quota amounts of EV sales. These targets incentivise car dealers to offer very competitive offers for potential EV customers in 2026.
The current Labour government indicated this year that there was some flexibility in this rule for the car industry in order to move towards our net-zero environmental targets. Thousands of new petrol and diesel cars are still being sold and are likely to be sold over the next few years. In addition, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) with both petrol and electric powered engines are really popular and The Guardian reports that this year there has been a 48% rise in PHEVs sales. (10)
The industry is moving in the direction of becoming fully electric over the next decade or so. Simultaneously the electric charging infrastructure needed to support owning and using an EV on the United Kingdom’s roads is developing swiftly, due to partnerships between councils, car manufacturers and energy providers.
The UK’s new and second-hand EV market and EV grant scheme
The ability to drive through built up areas, towns and cities without any emissions polluting the air for residents of all ages is a massive and important step forward to becoming a more environmentally friendly country. This clean air benefit applies anywhere in the world where there are electric vehicle drivers and passengers. The heatwaves currently being experienced across Great Britain demonstrate that now is the time to take action to minimise the effects on the environment of burning unnecessary fossil fuels.
Some new models of electric vehicles have gone up in price to reflect factors which are part of the latest EV designs. These include the latest technology and materials, quicker top speeds, longer range battery capabilities and faster charging options.
“There are around 630 different models of battery EVs available worldwide…The top selling 35 models account for around half of global electric car sales” according to the International Energy Agency. (IEA) (5)
Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure is the standardised test used across the industry to measure EVs car range. The luxurious Mercedes-Benz EQS advertises 511 miles WLTP range and this means a likely 425 miles ‘real world driving’ on a single full battery top up. The aerodynamic Mercedes- Benz EQS saloon car is packed with top of the range features. The EQS Mercedes is a long way over most average people’s budget at above £100,000. A ‘shift to larger and heavier models’ has also increased ticket prices in the UK and Europe. (11)
Every year millions of electric vehicles and hybrid electric cars are produced across the world. Many thousands are imported into the United Kingdom. It is often the case that new EVs are leased to a wide variety of commercial companies and organisations. This arrangement is through financial agreements between manufacturers and car dealerships that last a few years for each car’s lease to an organisation or business.
After the initial commercial leases expire these often lightly used cars are sold onto the private car sales market. This is done via car auctions and through dealerships across the British Isles and Northern Ireland and also on online marketplaces such as eBay and Autotrader.
At car auctions and on online marketplaces is when it is possible for individuals to purchase recently produced (e.g. just a few years old) second hand electric vehicles at competitively reasonable prices, often a third or half the original retail price of the brand-new vehicle.
These second-hand electric cars often still have several years battery warrantee included. Therefore, in a few years’ time there will be an even more significant amount of EVs on the second-hand market.
These pre-loved EVs still have many years usable life and decent ranges, even for those commuting for longer journeys outside of their home counties every day, and they are becoming available and affordable for average income individual drivers and their families.
Since Labour became the new government, they have introduced an Electric Car Grant which has encouraged more people across the country to buy new EV’s. Consequently, the Electric Car Grant has created increased opportunities for the second-hand EV market to receive an additional boost. Many lightly used EV’s are coming onto the used market as experienced EV drivers take the timely opportunity to upgrade to their next new EV with a tempting government backed promotional discount.
New zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) that meet the schemes criteria means customers can benefit from up to a £3750 discount off the retail list price on their new motor. The dealer conveniently handles processing the government grant paperwork on their behalf to enable an even more attractive proposition for potential clients interested in the latest EV models. (12)
New PM in UK with new plans: direction in 2027 and beyond is EV transport trend continues
As Andy Burnham takes the helm of the Labour party and creates a new UK government this week (including a new Chancellor no doubt) we can expect some new policy guidelines in the coming months and into 2027.
However, it is unknown if the Electric Car Grant will be changed or expanded or indeed if any extra incentives to persuade citizens to embrace EV ownership both in their private car and business vehicles could be introduced. Overall if personal economic circumstances allow, it is reasonable to conclude that with all the benefits of recently produced EVs it is recommended that choosing an EV for the next motor car investment is a wise move for individuals and families.
Purchasing an EV to explore the United Kingdom and beyond is definitely a positive leap forward for both any British driver and also the environmental health of both their local community and the planet.
(1) ‘The Road to Electric in charts and data’ RAC – Drive motoring website, 26 May 2026
‘The Road to Electric in charts and data’
(2) ‘Clean air zone charges may rise to tackle pollution’ James Diamond, BBC Bristol, 31 October 2025 ‘Clean air zone charges may rise to tackle pollution’ James Diamond, BBC Bristol
(3) ‘RPI: Percentage change over 12 months – Petrol and Oil incl Fuel Oil’ Consumer Price Inflation Team, Office for National Statistics, 17 June 2026 ‘RPI: Percentage change over 12 months – Petrol and Oil incl Fuel Oil’
(4) ‘Three reasons ships are not sailing through the Strait of Hormuz yet’ Thomas Copeland, Shruti Menon and Barbara Metzler, BBC Verify, 16 June 2026 ‘Three reasons ships are not sailing through the Strait of Hormuz yet’ Thomas Copeland, Shruti Menon and Barbara Metzler, BBC Verify
(5) ‘Trends in electric cars’ Global EV outlook, International Energy Agency, 2026 report, 16 June 2026 ‘Trends in electric cars’ Global EV outlook, International Energy Agency
(6) Tesla website, GB version, 20 July 2026 Tesla website, GB version
(7) ‘Two millionth electric car registered as market rebounds strongly.’ Mike Hawes Chief Executive, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). SMMT ‘Driving the Industry’ online news website, 5 May 2026 ‘Two millionth electric car registered as market rebounds strongly.’ Mike Hawes Chief Executive, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
(8) ‘Used EV prices fall again as year-end pressures hit market’ Tom Seymour, FleetNews, 14 January 20256 (8) ‘Used EV prices fall again as year-end pressures hit market’ Tom Seymour, FleetNews
(9) ‘UK electric car sales target set to be weakened’ Jonathon Josephs, BBC Correspondent, BBC News ‘UK electric car sales target set to be weakened’ Jonathon Josephs, BBC News
(10) ‘UK urged not to further weaken EV rules as CO2 impact revealed’ Jasper Jolly, 6 Jun 2026 The Guardian ‘UK urged not to further weaken EV rules as CO2 impact revealed’ Jasper Jolly, The Guardian
(11) ‘The 10 Longest Range Electric Cars in the UK (2026)’ Joel Russell-Winter, LoveElectric website, 8 June 2026 ‘The 10 Longest Range Electric Cars in the UK (2026)’ Joel Russell-Winter, LoveElectric
(12) ‘Zero emission vehicles eligible for a grant’ Gov UK official website, 28 May 2026 ‘Zero emission vehicles eligible for a grant’ Gov UK July 2026
(13) ‘UK electric car sales leap ‘could be hit by Iran war inflation and energy price rises’ Julia Kollewe, The Guardian, 5 May 2026 ‘UK electric car sales leap ‘could be hit by Iran war inflation and energy price rises’ Julia Kollewe, The Guardian
(14) ‘EVA map exposes major gaps in EV charging rollout’ Electrical Review, November 2025 ‘EVA map exposes major gaps in EV charging rollout’ Electrical Review
(15) ‘Dozens of ships head through Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran deal’ 23 June 2026 ‘Dozens of ships head through Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran deal’ 23 June 2026