Almost 40% of UK drivers would prefer to learn to drive in an EV
More than a third of young people would prefer to learn to drive in an electric car rather than one powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE).
Chinese car maker BYD surveyed 2,000 people across the country to understand public attitudes towards learning to drive in an EV and found that it would be the first choice of 36% people aged 18-34. Additional analysis explored whether charging infrastructure across the country can support the rising demand for electric vehicles.
Belfast was the city with the highest interest amongst learner drivers, with 40% of respondents saying they would prefer to learn to drive in an EV. However, the city currently has just 54 chargers per 100,000 residents, revealing a gap between enthusiasm and available charging infrastructure.
Wrexham follows closely, with 32% of respondents preferring to learn in an EV. Despite this demand, Wrexham’s infrastructure remains limited, offering only 33.2 chargers per 100,000 residents.
London ranks third, with 19% of learner drivers prioritising EVs over petrol or diesel cars. The capital’s infrastructure is well-equipped to meet demand, with 765.2 chargers per 100,000 residents, making it one of the best-prepared areas in the UK.
While Belfast and Wrexham are areas where infrastructure investment is needed, London demonstrates how robust charging networks can effectively support growing interest in EVs.
Outside of the top three cities, interest in learning to drive in an EV remains strong across the UK. Brighton and Hove saw more than one in six (17%) respondents preferring to learn in an EV, with Chelmsford and Portsmouth close behind at 16%.
In larger cities, including Birmingham, Glasgow, and Leicester, 14% expressed interest, reflecting a demand for electric driving lessons in urban areas. Norwich rounded out the list on 13%.
Steve Beattie, sales and marketing director at BYD UK, said: “Our research shows that younger drivers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are really embracing electric vehicles. Their interest in learning to drive in EVs is driven by a mix of excitement for new technology and a desire to make more environmentally conscious choices.
“The findings also highlight the need for more investment in charging infrastructure, particularly in places like Belfast and Wrexham, where demand for EVs is high but charging options are still limited.
“As the UK heads towards its 2035 target for zero-emission vehicles, EVs will play a much bigger role in driving education. Driving schools will need to continue supporting this shift by adding EVs to their fleets, keeping up with the growing interest from learners. This will make sure the next generation of drivers is ready for a future built around sustainable mobility.”
In 2024, BYD became the UK’s fastest-growing car manufacturer, after selling more than 8,700 cars; a year-on-year increase of 658%. Since it started selling its cars in the UK in 2023, BYD has expanded its dealer network from 14 to 60 sites, and plans to add more in 2025. Its best-selling model is the Atto 3, and the BYD Dolphin is the best-selling car in the retail sector.