Electric cars are increasingly appealing to Britain’s youngest drivers, with more than half saying they would like their next vehicle to run on electricity.

A new survey of 1,500 motorists aged between 17 and 20 found that attitudes towards petrol and diesel cars are changing quickly, especially among people just entering the car market. The research, commissioned by E.ON Next, found that 55% of respondents want their next car to be electric.

Petrol Cars Feel Increasingly Outdated

Nearly a quarter of young drivers, 23%, said owning a petrol car now feels as outdated as using a landline telephone. That comparison reflects a broader shift in how younger motorists think about transport. Around 21% said they cannot imagine ever owning a petrol car, while 63% believe petrol and diesel vehicles will disappear during their lifetime.

More than half, 53%, also think their generation will be the last to routinely drive cars powered by combustion engines.These responses suggest that electric vehicles are no longer viewed only as an alternative technology. For many younger drivers, they are beginning to represent the expected direction of everyday motoring.

Lower Running Costs Are A Major Attraction

Affordability appears to be one of the strongest reasons behind the growing interest in EVs. Around 20% of respondents identified lower day-to-day costs as an important advantage, while 56% believe owning an electric car can save money overall.

For younger drivers, who may already face high insurance premiums and other motoring expenses, reducing regular running costs can be especially appealing.

Home charging is another important factor. About 19% of those surveyed said being able to recharge a vehicle at home was attractive.

A further 18% liked the idea of avoiding regular visits to petrol stations. For some drivers, plugging a car in overnight may feel more convenient than making separate trips to refuel.

Electric Car Sales Are Growing

The survey findings come as electric vehicle registrations continue to increase across the UK. Battery-electric vehicles accounted for about 26% of all new cars registered between January and August 2026. More than 355,000 new EVs were sold during that period, representing an increase of around 29% compared with the same months in 2025.

August also brought another strong rise. New battery-electric vehicle registrations increased by 27.7% compared with August last year.

The wider market is changing at the same time. Petrol vehicles still represent the largest individual category, accounting for around 42% of new registrations, while diesel has fallen to below 5%.

A Generational Shift In Car Buying

The figures indicate a clear divide between traditional car ownership and the expectations of younger motorists. Cost remains important, but convenience and attitudes towards technology are also shaping preferences. Being able to charge at home, avoid fuel stations and use a vehicle seen as more modern all appear to be influencing buying intentions.

However, wanting an electric first car does not necessarily mean every young driver will be able to buy one immediately. Purchase prices, access to home charging and insurance costs may still influence the final decision.

Even so, the survey suggests that EVs are becoming increasingly normal for younger motorists. If those preferences continue as this generation gains more purchasing power, electric cars could take an even larger share of Britain’s car market in the years ahead.