Government Incentive Powers a Shift to Electric
Britain’s appetite for electric motoring has shifted up a gear thanks to the Government’s new Electric Car Grant (ECG). According to fresh data from Renault, more than one in three British drivers—35% of those surveyed—say they are now more likely to buy an electric vehicle following the scheme’s launch. Londoners are leading the charge, with an impressive 55% reporting they are more inclined to make the switch.
This surge in enthusiasm arrives as Renault throws open the doors to rnlt, its new electric-only brand store at London’s iconic Battersea Power Station. The experiential space is designed to give visitors a hands-on introduction to Renault’s fully electric line-up and to debunk lingering myths around EV ownership.
Younger Drivers Are Ready to Lead the Transition
The generational divide could not be clearer. Among drivers aged 17 to 34, a striking 85% plan to buy an electric vehicle within the next two years. Their priorities reflect a digital-native mindset: nearly half (48%) cite rapid charging capability as their top concern, followed by longer driving range (39%) and the availability of public charging points (36%).
By contrast, the over-55s remain cautious. Only 27% say they are likely to transition to electric within the same time frame. For this group, practical considerations dominate: more charging infrastructure (47%), extended range (45%) and lower starting prices (34%) are key motivators that would help accelerate adoption.
A Gender Gap in Electric Intent
The research also highlights an attitudinal difference between men and women. While 63% of men say they are very likely to buy an EV in the next two years, the figure drops to 46% among women. Cost plays a notable role in the disparity: nearly half of female respondents (46%) want to see lower prices, compared to 41% of men. Women are also slightly more focused on the availability of used electric cars (13% versus 11%), suggesting that a robust second-hand EV market could help close the gap.
Jason Plato: “These Results Are Extremely Encouraging”
Championship-winning racing driver and motoring expert Jason Plato calls the findings “extremely encouraging,” emphasising that education remains key to accelerating the electric revolution.
“While we have to respect people’s concerns, many of them are looking outdated,” Plato notes. “Some of the latest electric cars offer incredible technology, impressive battery range and running costs that can make them significantly cheaper to own over their lifetime than a petrol or diesel car.”
Plato will appear at Renault’s rnlt store on 18 September to discuss the benefits of EV ownership and help answer visitors’ questions first-hand.
Renault’s Electric Line-Up with £1,500 ECG Saving
Every model in Renault’s growing electric range is eligible for a £1,500 grant through the ECG:
- Renault 4 – from £25,495
- Renault 5 – from £21,495
- Renault Megane – from £30,995
- Renault Scenic – from £35,495
For a limited time, visitors to the new store will also be able to see the Renault 5 Turbo 3E concept car—nicknamed Drifter for its rally-inspired performance—fresh from its appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The striking electric show car will be on display from 19 to 21 September only.
Regional Trends: London Leads, But Momentum Is Nationwide
While Greater London tops the chart with 80% of respondents planning to buy an EV within the next two years, other regions show strong intent: Northern Ireland follows at 62%, with the North West (59%), West Midlands (56%) and East Midlands (54%) close behind. Even in the South West, the most hesitant region, nearly four in ten drivers (39%) are now considering a switch to electric within the near future.
The Road Ahead
With 21.9% of all new car registrations in 2025 already electric—up from 19.6% in 2024—the nation’s trajectory is clear. The combination of financial incentives, growing infrastructure and compelling new EV models is pushing Britain closer to an electric future.
Renault’s survey underscores a pivotal moment: government policy and consumer readiness are beginning to align. As Jason Plato puts it, when “great savings are available on great cars,” the electric revolution becomes less a question of if, and more a matter of when.
