From saving the planet to saving money: why Brits are warming to electric cars again

More Brits are considering electric cars, but their reasons for making the switch are changing. New Carwow data reveals what people are now prioritising most.

For years, electric cars have been associated with greener driving. But the reasons British drivers are considering them are changing.

As we mark World EV Day (9 September), new Carwow data shows that 38% of consumers are considering an electric car in the first half of 2026, up from 33% last year. That’s the same level recorded in 2019.

But while interest has returned to previous levels, the reasons for considering an EV have shifted. Lower running costs are now a bigger draw than environmental benefits, suggesting that electric cars are increasingly being viewed as a practical financial choice.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

EVs were once the greener choice

In our survey back in 2019, 68% of people considering an electric car said its environmental benefits were a reason for doing so. Lower running costs were close behind, at 62%.

Seven years later, the balance has changed considerably.

Just 29% of people considering an EV now attribute environmental benefits – a 39% drop since 2019. Lower running costs, meanwhile, are cited by 46%, making them the biggest reason for considering an EV.
Technology is a factor for 23% of potential buyers, while 10% say styling is part of the appeal.

For today’s car buyer, an EV is increasingly being judged on the same things as any other car: how much it costs to run, how easy it is to live with and whether it offers good value.

Range and charging are becoming less of a worry

Carwow data has also found that some of the concerns that have previously put drivers off electric cars have also eased.

Since the first half of 2024, concern about range has fallen from 51% to 35%. Worries about charging have dropped from 56% to 36%.

Concerns about price have fallen from 54% to 29%, while doubts about battery life have dropped from 40% to 27% since 2024.

Our data also shows that the number of people who say they have no concerns about EVs has more than doubled since the first half of 2024, from 15% to 34%.

Range, charging and battery life are still important considerations for anyone choosing a car, but our data suggests they appear to be less likely to rule out an EV altogether.

EV interest is back to 2019 levels

After falling to 26% in 2023, the proportion of consumers considering an electric car has climbed back to 38% in the first half of 2026 – exactly the same level recorded in 2019.

There are also more electric cars to choose from than there were seven years ago, giving buyers more options across different sizes, prices and styles.

That growing choice is being reflected in the new car market.

Battery electric car registrations jumped by 44.5% year-on-year in July 2026, giving EVs a record 27.5% share of the UK new car market, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The combination of rising interest, a wider choice of models, and incentives such as the electric car grant, means more drivers are now able to consider an EV that fits their budget and lifestyle.

But one financial question is becoming more important for those weighing up the switch.

Resale value is still a concern

In the first half of 2026, 32% of people considering an electric car said they were concerned about its resale value. That’s up from 18% in 2019, according to the Carwow data.

For buyers who want to save money, the cost of ownership doesn’t stop at charging. Depreciation can make a huge difference to what a car costs over the time you own it, particularly for drivers who change cars every few years.

Electric cars depreciate faster due to rapid technology advancements, and a recent Carwow analysis of Cap HPI data shows this. We found that the BMW iX1 loses around 54% of its value over the course of three years, compared to a 41% drop in value for a petrol equivalent.

An EV might cost less to run day to day, especially if you have a home charge, but buyers still need to consider how much value it could lose before deciding whether it’s good overall value.

What happens next for EVs?

As electric cars continue to grow in popularity, drivers are increasingly looking at whether they offer good value and fit their everyday needs.

For manufacturers and the wider car industry, the challenge is to make sure electric cars continue to compete on the things that matter: price, running costs, convenience, range, technology and resale value.

The early adopters may have been motivated by the environmental case. The next wave of buyers could be asking a much simpler question: does an electric car make financial sense for me?

5 electric cars to consider

Looking for an EV now that we have the new ‘76’ number plates and want to celebrate World EV Day? Here a five to consider today:

Cupra Raval

The Cupra Raval is a head-turning electric hatchback that gives you up to 276 miles of range on a single charge, has a hugely spacious cabin and comes well-equipped, even in its entry-level trim. However, its rear visibility isn’t great and it has fiddly climate controls.

Nissan Leaf

With up to 386 miles on a single charge, this electric SUV is incredibly comfortable to drive and has a stylish interior. That said, we find the rear seats to be a bit tight and alternatives have bigger boots.

Renault 5

Another car we’d highly recommend is the Renault 5. This small hatchback has up to 252 miles of range on a charge and is as good to drive as it is handsome inside and out. It comes with a heat pump as standard too. However, we do find it rather cramped inside and it’s jiggly over bad roads.

BYD Seal

Next up is the BYD Seal. This Chinese saloon has up to 354 miles of range on a single charge, is stylish and well-equipped, and is comfortable yet fun to drive. That said, its boot isn’t the biggest or most practical and its touchscreen is too hard to navigate on the move.

Skoda Elroq

Lastly, we’d recommend the Skoda Elroq. This is a great all-round SUV that has up to 370 miles of range, is comfortable over long distances, and has clever interior storage. But we do think it’s rather dull to drive and you will find some scratchy plastics inside.

Car change? Carwow!

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