UK New EVs Average Lower Price Than Petrol Cars

In a landmark development for Britain's automotive market, the average price of new electric vehicles has dipped below that of petrol-powered cars for the first time, according to data from the UK's largest car sales platform, Autotrader. As of recent listings, a new electric car averages £42,620 after discounts, compared to £43,405 for a petrol model, offering buyers a savings of £785 on the upfront cost.

This shift marks a significant barrier's removal in the transition to cleaner transport, where electric vehicles have historically carried higher initial prices despite lower long-term running costs from cheaper electricity and maintenance. The change stems from a combination of factors, including aggressive discounting by manufacturers, government incentives, and heightened competition. Discounts on electric models reached a record 12.8 percent in March before easing slightly to 11.7 percent in April, far exceeding the 10 percent average across all new vehicles. Carmakers are under pressure to boost electric sales to comply with the government's Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which requires 33 percent of new car sales to be electric this year, with penalties for non-compliance.