Majority of Automobile Drivers Anticipate Allowing U-turns on 2030 Prohibition of Petrol and Diesel Vehicles
In the run-up to the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is surging globally. According to recent data, 7.2 million EVs were sold in the first half of 2025, marking a 28% increase year-on-year, with China, Europe, and other regions leading the way [1][3].
However, the landscape is not solely dominated by new EV sales. The rise of used EVs is also noteworthy, offering a more affordable option for consumers who may not yet be able to afford new electric cars. This trend is particularly evident in the UK, where the market for used EVs is growing, providing a viable alternative for those on tighter budgets [2].
Ian Plummer, Auto Trader's commercial director, has voiced concerns about the government's ability to meet its 2030 goal of banning new petrol and diesel vehicle sales, given the current demand for used EVs. Enquiries for used electric cars have grown over 90% in two years on Auto Trader, indicating a significant shift in consumer preferences [4].
Despite this growth, Auto Trader predicts that electric vehicles will account for only 45% of all new car sales by 2030 [5]. The affordability of new EVs remains a significant barrier, with more than half of motorists expressing this as their primary concern [6].
The government's recent commitment of £1.4 billion to support the transition to electric vehicles is promising, but it may take time for these improvements to reach and reassure the wider public [7]. In the meantime, the industry and government must take action to ensure that there will be enough affordable electric vehicles to meet the 2030 targets [4].
The Auto Trader Road to 2030 Report shows a stagnant demand for electric cars, with year-to-date new car registrations of electric cars below 20% [8]. However, the introduction of new electric models coming to market under £20,000 could help to close the gap between electric sales and transition targets.
In summary, the demand for new electric cars is growing strongly, supported by policies and falling battery costs, and is on track to accelerate ahead of the 2030 ban on new internal combustion engine vehicles. Used electric cars provide a more accessible entry point for many drivers, which moderates the pressure on new EV sales growth but supports overall EV adoption. Regional differences exist, with China and Europe leading in new EV sales growth while North America experiences more moderate increases. The issue of affordability remains a significant barrier to the adoption of electric vehicles, and new electric models coming to market under £20,000 may help to close the gap between electric sales and transition targets.
- Amidst the escalating demand for electric vehicles (EVs), the sale of used electric cars is gaining momentum, offering a cheaper alternative to new EVs, particularly in the UK market.
- As the consumer preference shifts towards EVs, Auto Trader has reported a staggering 90% growth in queries for used electric cars over the past two years.
- Despite the surge in demand for used EVs, Auto Trader forecasts that electric vehicles will only constitute 45% of all new car sales by 2030, indicative of the affordability challenges that persist.
- The affordability barrier for new EVs is a primary concern for more than half of motorists, potentially hindering the government's goal of banning new petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2030.
- The UK government’s pledge of £1.4 billion to support the EV transition is a positive step, yet it might take time for these funds to alleviate the concerns of the wider public and boost the sales of new EVs.
- To meet the 2030 targets and ensure an adequate supply of affordable electric vehicles, the industry and government must collaborate to put policies into place that accelerate EV adoption.
- The Auto Trader Road to 2030 Report indicates that, so far, new car registrations of electric cars have stayed below 20%, showcasing a stagnant demand in the sector.
- The introduction of new electric models priced under £20,000 could potentially bridge the gap between electric sales and transition targets, bolstering consumer confidence and accelerating the shift towards EVs.
- The global EV market is characterized by regional disparities, with China, Europe, and other regions leading the way in new EV sales growth, while North America sees more moderate increases in the transition to electric-vehicles (EVs) in the transportation industry, impacting our lifestyles and the automotive sector.
