Over a third of under 35s would prefer to learn to drive in an EV

More than 36% of people in the UK aged between 18 and 34 would prefer to learn to drive in an EV over an petrol or diesel-powered car, says new research commissioned by BYD.

The Chinese manufacturer’s report surveyed over 2,000 people across the country via OnePoll to understand public attitudes towards learning to drive in an EV, as well as whether public charging infrastructure aligns with the rise in interest.

Since the start of 2025, adoption of all-electric vehicles has been positive across the UK. In April 2025, EVs sales were up by 8.1% year-on-year, with 24,558 new cars registered.

According to the BYD research, Belfast showed the highest interest with 40% of respondents saying they would prefer to drive in an EV. However, the city has just 54 chargers per 100,000 residents, revealing a gap between enthusiasm and infrastructure.

Wrexham in Norfolk was second, with 32% of learner drivers preferring to learn drive in an EV. Again, though, infrastructure remains limited, with 33.2 chargers per-100,000.

London rounded out the top three areas, with 19% of respondents saying they would rather learn to drive in an EV rather than in a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE). Despite the lower turnout, the capital has 765.2 chargers per 100,000 residents, making it one of the most public charger-dense areas in the country.

In Brighton and Hove, 17% of those asked said they would rather obtain their licence behind the wheel of an EV over an ICE, while Chelmsford and Portsmouth were just behind on 16%. Respondents in Birmingham, Glasgow, and Leicester came in at 14%, and Norwich rounded out the top 10 on 13%.

According to Steve Beattie, BYD UK’s sales and marketing director, the company’s findings indicate positive EV adoption amongst Gen Z and Millennials.

“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. At BYD, we’re committed to helping drive this transition to zero-emission mobility with cutting-edge EV technology.

“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.”