Petrol cars losing appeal as more than half of young drivers want EVs
Car changing is a big deal
Young drivers are increasingly opting for electric cars as their first vehicle, attracted by cheaper running costs and the convenience of charging at home, according to new research.
More than half of young people want an EV as their first car, as petrol-powered vehicles increasingly lose their appeal among the next generation of motorists, according to new research.
A survey commissioned by energy supplier E.ON Next found that 55% of 17 to 20-year-olds who are learning to drive or considering getting behind the wheel want their first car to be electric.
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Lower running costs are one of the biggest attractions, with 20% citing this as a reason to choose an EV, while more than half (56%) believe an electric car would save them money. Home charging also adds to the appeal for 19% of respondents, while 18% said not having to regularly visit a petrol station was one of the reasons they’d choose an EV.
Economic analysis from E.ON Next suggests new drivers could save up to £890 in their first year by switching to an EV and charging at home. Its Next Drive Smart tariff offers overnight home charging for less than £8, although costs vary depending on individual usage.
“More than half of young drivers want their first car to be electric, and it’s clear to see they may be onto something,” said Gráinne Regan, propositions director at E.ON Next. “With savings of up to £890 in the first year compared with fuel and overnight home charging for as little as £8, an EV is becoming an increasingly accessible choice for the next generation of drivers.”
Young drivers turning away from petrol
The survey of 1,500 young and potential new drivers found that almost a quarter (23%) believe owning a petrol car is as “outdated as using a landline”, while 36% describe petrol cars as “old-fashioned”.
Around one in five (21%) say they cannot see themselves ever driving a petrol car, while 63% believe petrol and diesel vehicles will disappear during their lifetime.
The survey also found that almost a quarter (24%) would not buy a new petrol or diesel car, and 53% believe their generation will be the last to routinely drive them.
Data from Select Car Leasing, referenced by E.ON Next, suggests EVs now account for more than one in four vehicle leases among under-25s, compared with around one in 20 two years ago.
Young drivers influencing parents
The move towards electric is also influencing older generations, according to the research.
Around 41% of young drivers said they had received support from a parent or guardian to get an EV on the road, while 36% said they were encouraging their parents to switch to electric.
Almost one in three (29%) also said they had already influenced a parent or guardian to make the switch.
If you’re thinking about buying an electric car, consider your typical journey, explore used EVs and leasing options, and charge at home where possible.
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