Has the Electric Car Grant convinced more Brits to buy an EV?

4 minute read|23rd Sep 2025

More than one in three British motorists say they’re now more inclined to purchase an electric vehicle following the launch of the Electric Car Grant (ECG).

Regionally, Londoners lead the shift, with over half indicating they’re likely to make the switch due to the financial incentives introduced by the government.

A nationwide survey conducted by Renault found that 35% of respondents are more likely to consider an electric car thanks to the ECG’s benefits. Londoners showed the strongest response, with 54% expressing intent to transition to electric vehicles.

Across the UK, 55% of those surveyed said they expect to buy an electric car within the next two years—marking a significant rise in interest.

This trend builds on recent growth: in 2024, electric vehicles accounted for 19.6% of new car registrations, increasing to 21.9% so far in 2025.

The survey also highlighted a stark generational divide. Young adults aged 17–34 were the most enthusiastic, with 85% saying they plan to switch to electric within two years.

Among all age groups, residents of Greater London were again the most likely to adopt EVs, with 80% expressing intent.

In contrast, only 27% of those aged 55 and over said they were likely to switch within the same timeframe. Their top concerns included longer driving range (45%), more charging infrastructure (47%), and lower upfront costs (34%).

Meanwhile, the youngest group surveyed—those aged 17–24—prioritised fast charging (48%), extended battery life (39%), and increased access to public charging stations (36%).

Gender differences also emerged: 63% of men described themselves as very likely to switch to electric within two years, compared to just 46% of women. Women were more concerned about affordability (46% vs. 41%) and the availability of second-hand electric vehicles (13% vs. 11%).

Former Renault BTCC driver commented: “More and more people are switching on to the benefits of electric motoring, and these results highlight how, when great savings are available on great cars, the grant is working to persuade buyers to move to electric.”