Almost 60% of over-55s in UK considering EV switch

Most older UK motorists say they would consider transitioning from a petrol or diesel car to an EV, with cheaper running costs the main reason they would switch.

A recent survey by National Scrap Car found that 57% of UK motorists aged 55 or older – usually the most EV-sceptical demographic – would consider transitioning from a petrol or diesel car to an EV.

Of the 2,000 drivers asked, 62% said that rising fuel costs would be their primary motivation for ditching internal combustion in favour of electric.

As early as January this year, the Electric Car Scheme found that EVs cost 65% less per mile to run than petrol cars (7p vs 19-21p), with drivers able to save between £600 and £1,500 on fuel annually.

It wasn’t just those over 55 who viewed EVs positively and would make the EV switch. Across the UK, 92% of drivers aged 25 to 34 said they would buy an EV; 86% of those aged 35 to 44 said they would cross over, while 85% of younger motorists aged 17 to 24 said they would do so.

Even in the oldest age bracket under 55 (45 to 54), 73% of those asked responded they would be open to buying an EV.

National Scrap Car‘s survey also found that most Brits are now undeterred by what were once perceived as barriers to EV adoption: 71% are no longer viewing EV insurance prices as an obstacle, and 58% do not see charging infrastructure as an issue.

Further down the list, 57% of respondents do not consider range to be an issue, while charging times and vehicle purchasing costs are not a problem for 51% of motorists.

The biggest concern was related to battery lifespan, with 45% of those asked citing it as their main reason for not going electric.

However, 2025 analysis found that battery degradation usually amounts to 2.3% per year, with most batteries outlasting the vehicle’s body and other components.

In correlation with the findings, last year saw EVs comprise one in four new cars sold across the UK, amounting to 473,348 vehicles – more than 2021 and 2022 combined. At the end of last year, the EV market rose by 23.9% following the introduction of the Electric Car Grant and similar manufacturer offers.

Conversely, sales of petrol and diesel cars dropped by 8% and 15% across 2025.