Electric vehicles (EVs) are now, on average, cheaper than petrol-powered cars in the UK, marking a significant shift in the automotive market as consumer interest rises.
EV has dropped to around £42,620 after discounts, slightly below the average petrol car price of £43,405. The shift is driven by increased competition among manufacturers, along with discounts and incentives aimed at boosting EV adoption.
Demand trends reflect this change, with a 20% year-on-year increase in interest for new cars in April 2026, while EV listings grew by 13%, indicating stronger supply from retailers.
The development comes as the UK automotive sector works toward meeting the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires 33% of new car sales to be zero-emission by 2026, rising to 80% by 2030, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
In March 2026, a record 86,120 battery-electric vehicles were registered in the UK, accounting for a 24.2% market share. While this reflects strong growth, it remains below the near-term ZEV target.
Despite ongoing concerns about charging infrastructure, EVs continue to gain traction due to lower running costs, reduced maintenance requirements, and zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to improved air quality.
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