“Two-speed” road to 2030 as postcode divide slows electric transition

The UK’s shift to electric vehicles is accelerating, but unevenly, with Scotland and the South West at risk of being left behind, according to Autotrader’s latest Road to 2030 report.

Data from the UK’s largest automotive marketplace shows strong national momentum for EVs in 2025, with total views of new and used electric cars up 28% year on year and sales leads to retailers rising 27%. Nearly 500,000 new electric cars were registered last year, accounting for almost one in four new car sales, supported by greater choice, stronger discounting and incentives such as the Electric Car Grant. Consumer research suggests 62% of buyers would now consider an EV for their next car.

However, Autotrader’s postcode-level analysis reveals a stark regional divide in interest. On average, 31% of users across the UK viewed at least one EV in the past 90 days, but interest is significantly lower in parts of Scotland and the South West, including Wick, Inverness, Dumfries, Dorchester and Truro. Other low-interest areas include Plymouth, Taunton and Belfast.

By contrast, some of the highest levels of EV consideration were seen in Warrington, Crewe, St Albans, Newcastle, Liverpool, Chester and parts of London, highlighting a clear geographic split. The data also points to an urban-rural gap, with 85% of city dwellers saying they would consider an EV compared with just 45% of those in rural areas.

The divide persists despite improving affordability. Autotrader said the upfront price premium for new EVs has fallen to 17%, roughly half the level seen in 2024. But cost remains a barrier for lower-income households, with willingness to consider an EV dropping from 62% nationally to 48% among households earning under £40,000.

Ian Plummer, Chief Customer Officer at Autotrader, said the regional differences reflect structural challenges rather than a lack of appetite for cleaner transport.

“We’re seeing notably lower levels of EV interest in regions like the South-West and Scotland. These areas have more rural communities and longer average driving distances all of which make switching to electric feel riskier and less practical for drivers – even though that’s not necessarily the case, as both regions have more rapid chargers per head than the UK overall,” he said.

The report also highlights shifting dynamics in the used EV market. Demand for used electric cars aged up to six years rose 28%, with enquiries for three- to six-year-old models jumping 50%, making this the most popular segment as more buyers are drawn in by lower prices.

However, growth has been weaker in the 0–3 year used EV segment, creating what Autotrader describes as a “squeezed middle”. Buyers are being pulled either towards brand-new models, supported by grants, 0% finance and new sub-£30,000 launches, or towards better-value older used EVs, leaving younger used cars facing softer demand.

Plummer warned this could have knock-on effects for the wider market. With nine in 10 new cars bought on finance, weaker residual values for younger used EVs could push up the cost of new cars, potentially slowing adoption further.

“The momentum behind electric vehicles is unmistakable,” Plummer said. “But our data shows the UK’s EV transition isn’t currently fair or evenly distributed. It’s a two-speed road to 2030. If we’re serious about nationwide progress, we need to bring everybody with us rather than entrenching economic divides.”

He called for a “rethink” of the Electric Car Grant, including extending support to the used market, and urged the Government to reconsider plans such as pay-per-mile charging, which he said could send mixed messages to consumers at a time when only around 5% of cars on UK roads are electric.

Autotrader said retailers that use real-time data to adapt stock to these shifting demand patterns will be best placed to navigate the next phase of the EV transition.