EV Adoption Growth Broadens as Transition Moves Beyond Affluent Early Adopters
“This is not a story of polarisation.” EV growth spreads beyond affluent early adopters, reversing the early wealth divide.
Adoption in England is now broad-based across almost all deprivation levels.
Only the most deprived 10% of areas now see notably slower EV uptake, highlighting the need for targeted support.
New analysis of electric vehicle (EV) adoption across England by New Automotive and char.gy shows that while EV ownership remains higher in less deprived areas, recent growth has become significantly more broad-based, signalling that the transition to electric is moving beyond affluent early adopters.
The research compares the percentage of cars on the road that are electric with levels of deprivation, measured using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). Historically, the least deprived areas have had the highest concentration of EVs, a pattern largely driven by wealthier households being able to adopt the technology earlier.
However, year-on-year growth trends tell a different and more encouraging story.
John Lewis, CEO of char.gy, said: “EV adoption started in wealthier areas, but what’s encouraging is how that’s changing. While growth in 2021–22 was largely confined to more affluent communities, by 2025 uptake has become much broader. That shows the transition is moving beyond early adopters. The focus now must be on ensuring those most disadvantaged communities aren’t left behind by expanding reliable, affordable on-street charging where it’s needed most.”
From Affluent Early Adopters to Broader Uptake
Between 2021 and 2022, growth in EV adoption was heavily concentrated in the least deprived half of the country. The most deprived communities saw comparatively limited increases in uptake.
By contrast, in 2025 the picture has shifted markedly. Annual growth in EV adoption is now occurring across almost all deprivation deciles, with only the 10% most deprived areas showing notably slower progress.
This represents a significant change in the geography of the UK’s EV transition. While wealthier communities continue to see strong growth, the gap in new adoption rates has narrowed considerably.
It is important to note that the most deprived 10% of areas in England face some of the highest levels of poverty, social challenges and ill health in the country, factors that can compound barriers to EV uptake.
Ben Nelmes, CEO, New Automotive, said: “The data is clear that motorists the length and breadth of the country are now going electric as the second hand market booms and more affordable models become available in the new market. The people’s car is increasingly an EV.”
Tanya Sinclair, CEO, Electric Vehicles UK: “Drivers from across the country are going electric, in their thousands. With over 2 million plug-in vehicles on the road it’s crucial that charging is accessible, reliable, and available, wherever the vehicles need it. This is not a story of polarisation.”
The Role of On-Street Charging
As the market matures, access to public and on-street charging infrastructure is increasingly critical to enabling equitable EV adoption, particularly in lower-income urban areas where households are less likely to have driveways.
The latest growth patterns suggest that as infrastructure expands and EVs become more mainstream, adoption is no longer restricted to higher-income neighbourhoods. Continued targeted investment in charging access will be key to ensuring the final stages of the transition are fair and inclusive.