2025: The year of the everyday EV driver

2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for EV adoption. The signs are everywhere - prices are dropping dramatically, with new models starting as low as £14,995. Used EV sales are surging too, up 57% in Q3 2024, reaching 53,423 units and achieving a record market share of 2.7%.

What’s exciting to see is that the shift isn’t just happening in company fleets anymore, it’s the everyday driver—the families, the commuters, the small business owners—who are making the switch.

 

Electric cars are more affordable than ever

Affordability has been a hot topic in the EV industry over the last decade. In fact, it’s been one of the major roadblocks to adoption. But times are changing, fast. With advancements in technology, affordable EVs now come with improved battery life, greater driving range, and faster charging times, making them a viable alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles.

 

Electric cars are the fastest-growing part of the used car market. As supply continues to grow, prices are expected to fall even further, with the BVRLA predicting an additional 28% drop by 2030. Already, 1 in 3 used EVs are priced under £20k, making electric motoring more accessible than ever. Many now match petrol models on price, thanks to a price drop that began in 2022, driven by an increase in company cars and salary sacrifice schemes.

 

10 cheapest EV models in the UK market

With a growing number of budget-friendly models, here’s a quick look at the top 10 cheapest new EVs you can buy in the UK:

Model	Price	Range	Battery
Dacia Spring Electric 45	£14,995	100 mi	25.0 kWh
Dacia Spring Electric 65	£15,995	100 mi	25.0 kWh
Leapmotor T03	£15,995	140 mi	36.0 kWh
Citroen e-C3	£21,990	160 mi	44.0 kWh
Fiat Grande Panda	£22,000	160 mi	43.8 kWh
Renault 5 E-Tech 40kWh 95hp	£22,000	155 mi	40.0 kWh
Renault 5 E-Tech 40kWh 120hp	£22,995	155 mi	40.0 kWh
Hyundai INSTER Standard Range	£23,495	155 mi	39.0 kWh
Vauxhall Frontera 44 kWh	£23,495	155 mi	44.0 kWh
Citroen e-C3 Aircross	£24,500	155 mi	44.0 kWh

Data source: EV Database

As the market continues to stabilise, we can expect even more affordable options to hit the market. But it’s not just about affordability, though there’s no denying that is a major factor. People genuinely love their EVs for how practical and enjoyable they are to drive. Whether it’s the extra boot space or the convenience of charging from home, EVs are becoming part of the family.

 

Policies driving the EV agenda

The shift to electric is being driven not just by consumer interest but by government policy. The UK’s push towards a ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 is one of the most ambitious moves to electrify transportation in the world. And it’s working - more and more consumers are making the switch.

Incentives such as company salary sacrifice schemes are providing car tax benefits to businesses, while grants from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) are supporting infrastructure development. Together, these initiatives are making EV ownership more accessible to an increasing number of people.

However, upcoming changes in car tax and congestion charges are creating some uncertainty. Starting in April 2025, EVs will no longer be exempt from road tax, with a standard annual rate of £190 and additional luxury fees for vehicles priced over £40,000. Meanwhile, London’s congestion charge discount for zero-emission vehicles will end in December 2025, which could slow EV adoption in a key market.

Despite these challenges, EVs remain cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars with lower fuel and maintenance costs. And with industry players and policymakers known for their adaptability, solutions like dealer-backed offers or new government incentives will make sure the EV momentum continues. It’s this spirit of innovation that has brought the sector this far—and it’s likely to drive it even further.

 

The rise of the used EV market

The demand for used EVs just keeps on growing with AutoTrader reporting a 54% year-on-year increase. Many second-hand EVs are now cheaper to purchase upfront than their petrol or diesel counterparts, and they offer significantly lower running costs. This is a particularly attractive option for buyers who may be hesitant to invest in a brand-new vehicle.

For example, a used Nissan Leaf can often be found for under £10,000, while its lifetime running costs are estimated to be around 40% lower than those of a petrol car. Plus, with battery technology improving, today’s EVs have longer lifespans, making them an even better investment for second-hand buyers.

 

Affordable EV charging

One of the biggest advantages of owning an EV is the significantly lower cost of charging. Home chargers, like the evec VEC01, easy to install and incredibly cost-effective too. Charging at home can cost as little as 3p per mile, compared to the 19p–21p per mile it costs to fuel a petrol or diesel vehicle.

The UK’s public charging infrastructure is growing rapidly. You can now charge your EV while you’re doing the weekly shop, grabbing a coffee, or attending a meeting. With apps like ZapMap that make finding and paying for a charge easier than ever, range anxiety is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

 

What’s next for electric cars?

With an influx of affordable models, better leasing options, and a thriving used EV market, the barriers to entry are lower than ever. Improved infrastructure, increased consumer demand, and continued government support are driving this growth. As we look toward 2025, there’s no doubt that this will be the year of the everyday EV driver.

 

Tom Bloor, Managing Director