EVs deliver record £960 annual fuel savings becoming most popular new car choice

Rising petrol prices and falling electric vehicle costs have pushed annual EV fuel savings to their highest level since records began, according to new data released today by Autotrader and Zapmap.

The figures show that drivers using a typical mix of 80% home charging and 20% public charging could save an average of £960 annually by switching to an electric vehicle (EV), marking the highest level recorded since tracking began in November 2023.

The increase in savings follows months of rising petrol prices linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which have also driven a significant surge in consumer interest in electric vehicles.

Autotrader revealed that EVs became the most popular fuel type for new car enquiries on its platform for the first time ever in April 2026, accounting for 29% of all new car enquiries. Petrol vehicles followed at 25%, down from 35% a year earlier, while diesel fell to 7.8%. Plug-in hybrids represented 18% of enquiries, up from 12% in April 2025.

The data coincides with the latest quarterly update to the “Electric Cars: The Facts” campaign, a cross-industry initiative launched by Autotrader, ChargeUK and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and endorsed by the UK Department for Transport. The campaign aims to counter misinformation surrounding EV ownership by providing consumers with simplified, data-backed insights.

Among the latest updates, the campaign reported that there are now 40 new EV models with a recommended retail price below £30,000, up from 38 earlier this year. The average range of a new EV has also increased to more than 300 miles per charge, compared with 290 miles in January, with some models capable of travelling up to 500 miles on a single charge.

The used EV market is also expanding rapidly. More than one in four used EVs listed on Autotrader are now priced at £15,000 or below, while 45% are available for under £20,000.

Autotrader additionally reported that the average price of a new EV advertised on its marketplace fell below the average price of a petrol car for the second consecutive month after discounts and government grants were applied. In March, EVs were on average £296 cheaper than petrol cars, with the gap widening to £455 in April.

Meanwhile, the UK’s public charging infrastructure continues to grow. Following a revised Department for Transport methodology that now counts individual charger plugs rather than charging devices, the UK’s public charging network total stands at 120,338 chargers.

Paul Hyne, Commercial Director at Lex Autolease, which has joined the “Electric Cars: The Facts” campaign as a new industry supporter, said:

“The EV conversation has moved on. Choice has broadened, technology has matured, and more drivers are experiencing electric as part of normal life.”

He added: “Supporting The Facts is about helping that momentum continue, by sharing clear, up-to-date information that reflects how electric vehicles are actually being used today.”

Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder & COO at Zapmap, said the latest data demonstrates the growing financial advantages of EV ownership.

“We’re now seeing that for EV drivers with a typical 80/20 split between home and public charging, the cost saving of charging their EV compared to fuelling a petrol or diesel car is at the highest level since we began tracking,” she said.

“Getting the facts on the reality of EVs and charging out into the market is critical to enable the next million drivers to make the switch to electric with confidence.”

Marc Palmer, Head of Strategy and Insights at Autotrader,  said lower running costs and falling upfront prices were making EVs increasingly attractive to consumers.

“Now more than ever, it’s vital consumers understand the potential benefits of electric driving, with average running cost savings so high and upfront price reducing, it’s a great time to consider,” Palmer said.

The “Electric Cars: The Facts” initiative is also supported by organisations including the AA, Fleet News, the Institute of the Motor Industry, Zapmap, the National Franchised Dealers Association, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, Cox Automotive Europe and EVA England.