Research from E.ON Next reveals today’s new drivers are the first generation ready to go electric from day one, as petrol starts to feel like a thing of the past. Data finds 55% of 17 to 20-year-old learner drivers want their first car to be an EV, as almost a quarter (23%) say owning a petrol car is as outdated as using a landline.
According to the study, young drivers cite low day-to-day running costs (20%) as one of the main reasons electric is the way to go, with over half (56%) agreeing having an EV is a money saver. Economic insight shows new drivers could save as much as £890* in their first year on the road by going electric and charging at home with E.ON Next’s Next Drive Smart tariff.
Meanwhile, being able to charge at home (19%), and not needing to visit the petrol station regularly (18%), are among the other reasons EVs hold such strong appeal amongst the younger gen. Figures from Select Car Leasing show that electric vehicles now account for more than one in four vehicle leases among under-25s, up from just one in 20 two years ago, as falling monthly costs and a growing used EV market make electric motoring increasingly accessible to younger drivers.
Today’s new drivers have a keen desire to hit the road for the first time fuel-free. A fifth (21%) report they can’t ever see themselves driving a petrol car, while almost two-thirds (63%) say petrol and diesel cars will disappear in their lifetime. Research reveals petrol cars are fast becoming outdated, as over a third of young drivers (36%) say petrol cars are old-fashioned. Almost a quarter (24%) report they wouldn’t buy a new petrol or diesel car, with over half (53%) agreeing they’ll be the last generation ever to routinely drive them.
Stats show parents are helping make young drivers’ electric ambitions a reality, with 41% saying they’ve had support from a parent or guardian to get an EV on the road. Meanwhile, over a third (36%) of young people are actively encouraging their parents to go electric too, and almost one in three (29%) say they’ve already influenced them to make the switch.
To help young motorists prepare for life behind the wheel of an EV, Robert Llewellyn has shared his top tips to help them hit the road for the first time fuel-free.
Robert Llewellyn said: “The really striking thing is that this generation isn’t growing up with the assumption that their first car will be petrol. They’re looking at what’s available today and making a practical choice. There are more electric vehicles to choose from than ever before, more affordable ways to get behind the wheel, and the opportunity to keep running costs down by charging at home. For many young drivers, going electric isn’t a statement about the future; it’s simply the option that makes the most sense today.”
Gráinne Regan, Propositions Director at E.ON Next, said: “More than half of young drivers want their first car to be electric, and it’s clear to see they may be onto something. With savings of up to £890 in the first year compared with fuel and overnight home charging for as little as £8, an EV is becoming an increasingly accessible choice for the next generation of drivers. Through our Next Drive Smart tariff, we’re helping drivers take control of their charging costs from day one – and households benefit too.”
To find out more about E.ON Next’s EV tariff and charging solutions, visit: eonnext.com/tariffs/next-drive/smart.