Petrol Cars in the UK Expected to Decline by Nearly Half Over the Next Decade

Auto Trader predicts a major rise in electric vehicle adoption, but challenges like high costs and limited infrastructure remain.

Auto Trader forecasts the number of petrol cars on UK roads will fall from 18.7 million in 2024 to 11.1 million by 2034, marking a significant shift in British motoring trends.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are projected to grow from 1.25 million to 13.7 million during the same period, driven by improving affordability and increased availability.
The UK's Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate requires 22% of new car sales to be electric in 2024, rising to 80% by 2030, though EV sales are currently lagging behind these targets.
Industry concerns include high EV costs, insufficient charging infrastructure, and potential job losses, highlighted by the recent closure of Vauxhall's Luton factory, affecting 1,100 workers.
Demand for used cars remains strong, with second-hand EVs becoming more competitive in price; one in three used EVs on Auto Trader's platform is now priced under £20,000.