More than 80% of EV drivers stick with electric for next car

More than four in five EV drivers choose another EV when trading in their car, according to new research into buying habits.

Data from dealership chain Evans Halshaw shows that when it comes to part exchanging for a newer model, 83.9% of EV owners stick with electric, highlighting the loyalty of electric vehicle drivers when it comes to fuel choice.

The data backs up previous studies which found that once drivers choose to go electric they rarely switch back to internal combustion or hybrid power.

Rob Miller, group vice president at Evans Halshaw, commented: “EVs have soared in popularity over the past few years, with our research now finding that once drivers experience electric, they rarely go back or regret making the switch.”

The data also found that a significant number of hybrid drivers also made the step up to an all-electric model when trading in.

The data from Evans Halshaw’s Sell Your Car breakdown shows that 23.5 per cent of petrol plug-in hybrid drivers moved to electric when changing their car.

Miller commented: “Plug-in hybrids certainly seem to be acting as a key stepping stone for motorists looking to go electric, with the transition more of a long-term commitment instead of just being first-time EV adoption.

“Almost one in four plug-in hybrid drivers going on to choose a full EV proves that electrified technology is helping more motorists to take the leap into all-electric driving.”

Miller argued that there are several reasons why EV ownership is proving so popular and why once drivers go electric they rarely go back to ICE.

He pointed to the financial benefits, ranging from the huge savings on running costs to government-backed incentives such as the Electric Car Grant, which offers up to £3,750 off a new EV.

He also highlighted the government’s EV chargepoint grants, which allow drivers who rent their home or live in a flat to cover up to 75 per cent of the cost of purchasing and installing a home chargepoint.

The growing availability and speed of public charging is also helping EV owners feel confident about their choice of fuel. Infrastructure has improved rapidly, with the number of public chargepoints across the nation jumping from 28,460 in 2021 to 85,163 by mid-2025.

Miller commented: “From saving money when first purchasing their EV to a lot more options to keep their vehicles charged when on the go, it is no surprise that more motorists are going electric and don’t look back.

“This is especially the case once they experience the quieter and more relaxing drives that these cars provide too.”