A stark new warning has been issued that the UK's transition to electric vehicles risks creating a 'two-tier system', leaving millions of lower-income drivers behind. The alert comes from a major survey by the online car marketplace Autotrader, which reveals a profound gap in electric vehicle consideration between different income groups.
The Stark Figures Behind the EV Wealth Divide
The survey, published on 14 January 2026, uncovered a dramatic split in attitudes. It found that just 48% of households earning under £40,000 a year would contemplate an electric vehicle for their next car purchase. This figure stands in sharp contrast to the 84% of households earning above that £40,000 threshold who are open to making the switch. This data points to a significant socio-economic barrier at the heart of the government's net-zero transport ambitions.
Interestingly, the research challenges a long-held assumption about EV adoption. It reveals that 70% of lower-income households do have access to a driveway, traditionally seen as a key enabler for home charging. However, Autotrader states that a driveway is 'not the clear-cut indicator of electric consideration – or likelihood to buy – as previously thought'.
Affordability and Awareness: The Real Roadblocks
The core issue appears to be cost and exposure. The data highlights a critical mismatch in the used car market: while nearly two-fifths of lower-income households buy cars for £5,000 or less, a mere 1% of the used EV market currently falls within this budget-friendly price bracket. This makes the practical switch to electric virtually impossible for a large segment of the population.
Compounding the affordability crisis is a lack of familiarity. The survey indicates that lower-income families are significantly less likely to know someone who drives an EV. This suggests that electric motoring has yet to permeate all levels of society, remaining an unfamiliar concept for many, which can fuel apprehension and delay adoption.
Calls for Action to Prevent a 'Two-Tier' Future
Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at Autotrader, commented on the findings, stating: 'We're at a pivotal moment for the UK's EV transition – but there is still a lingering wealth divide. This new data also busts the myth that those who can charge at home will definitely switch – the driveway divide is no longer so clear-cut.'
He issued a clear warning about the consequences of inaction: 'If lower-income households can't access affordable vehicles, we risk creating a two-tier system where the benefits of cleaner, cheaper motoring accrue to those already better off.' To unlock EVs for everyone, Plummer advocates for a three-pronged solution:
- Greater choice at lower price points in the used EV market.
- Transparency on battery health to build consumer confidence.
- Practical charging solutions tailored for those without private off-street parking.
The report concludes that without targeted measures to address these specific barriers, the UK's electric revolution will remain exclusive, failing to deliver its environmental and economic benefits to all drivers.
