The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK is gathering pace—but age matters. New research from Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, shows younger drivers are driving demand for EVs, particularly used models and vehicles from unfamiliar manufacturers.
The study, part of Kwik Fit’s annual look at car buying intentions, found that nearly one in five drivers aged 18-34 (18%) expect their next car to be fully electric. In comparison, only 11% of drivers over 55 plan to switch to a fully electric model. Broadening the view to all low-emissions vehicles, 42% of younger drivers intend to buy either a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or hybrid next, compared to 36% of older motorists. Despite the growth in new EV registrations—now accounting for 47% of all new cars in 2025—overall interest in low-emission cars has remained steady at 38% of UK drivers planning a switch.
A key factor in the younger generation’s willingness to adopt EVs is their openness to buying used models. More than half of drivers aged 18-34 (52%) said they would consider purchasing a secondhand EV—almost three times higher than the 18% of over-55s who feel the same. Moreover, 42% of younger drivers see used EVs as better value than similarly priced petrol or diesel cars, compared with just 9% of older drivers.
The study also highlighted a generational divide in attitudes towards vehicles from overseas. Chinese-made EVs have surged in popularity, with BYD reporting an 880% increase in September sales year-on-year. Younger drivers appear to be fueling this trend, with 43% more likely to buy a Chinese-made EV than a petrol or diesel vehicle from the same market—only 14% of older drivers say the same. Similarly, 42% of 18-34 year olds are open to considering an EV from an unfamiliar brand, while just 14% of over-55s would take the same chance.
Barriers to EV adoption are gradually easing, though range anxiety and charging infrastructure still influence decisions. The proportion of drivers citing range limitations has dropped from 41% in 2023 to 37% in 2025, while concern over fast-charging availability has fallen from 37% to 33% over the same period.
Dan Joyce, Kwik Fit’s operations director, says: “This research reveals a multi-speed transition to electric vehicles which varies between age groups. Younger drivers are more open to moving to EVs and new car brands than older drivers. They are also far more willing to buy a used EV, which is important as more vehicles move from fleets to private ownership. The UK car parc will continue to feature a mix of powertrains for years to come, and it’s vital that drivers have access to a maintenance and servicing network for all types of vehicles.”
Kwik Fit has one of the largest networks of EV-trained technicians in the UK, providing servicing for all types of cars. Drivers can find their nearest centre and the full range of services at kwik-fit.com.
