New research from Kwik Fit shows drivers aged 18 to 34 are far more likely than older motorists to choose an EV for their next car, including used models and new brands.
Kwik Fit’s annual study found that 18% of drivers aged 18 to 34 expect their next car to be fully electric, compared with 11 percent of drivers over 55.
Across both age groups, 38% of motorists planning to change their car say they will choose a low emissions vehicle, a figure unchanged over the last two years despite rising EV registrations.
Younger drivers are also more prepared to consider used EVs.
More than half of 18 to 34 year olds say they would buy a used electric car, compared with 18% of those over 55.
Forty two percent of younger respondents believe used EVs offer better value than petrol or diesel alternatives at the same price point, while only 9% of older drivers agree.
The research suggests younger buyers are more open to brands from outside the traditional market.
Forty three percent of 18 to 34 year olds say they would be more likely to buy a Chinese made EV than a Chinese made petrol or diesel car.
Interest in new marques is also higher among younger drivers, with 42% willing to consider an EV from an unfamiliar brand, compared with 14% of over 55s.
Kwik Fit reports that some key barriers to EV adoption are gradually weakening.
Concerns about driving range have fallen from 41% of non EV intenders in 2023 to 37% this year.
Worries about access to fast chargers have also eased from 37% to 33% over the same period.
Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit, said: “This research reveals a multi-speed transition to electric vehicles which varies between age groups.
"The overall proportion of drivers planning to switch to low emissions for their next car has remained the same since last year.
"However, our study shows that younger drivers are much more open to moving to EVs and new car brands than many older drivers.
"It’s also interesting to see them much more willing to buy a used EV, especially as we are seeing more vehicles moving out of the fleet sector into private ownership."
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Freelance writer for AM, Tom Seymour has been a specialist B2B journalist covering the automotive sector for over 14 years. He started his freelance career in 2015 and currently writes for a variety of automotive, business and technology publications.
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