Growth in EV choice for UK drivers

What’s the right EV for you?

The UK’s electric vehicle (EV) market is growing faster than ever, and new Solera cap hpi data shows just how much more choice UK drivers now have when switching to electric.

Over the past year, the volume of battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants has surged by 66%. If you’ve been considering choosing an electric car, there’s no shortage of options to suit your preferences, budget, and needs. In fact, over the past four years, the number of BEV brands in the UK has increased by 95%, and there’s no sign of slowing down.

What’s even more exciting is that we’re seeing a considerable growth in the number of BEV models hitting the market. From 2020 to 2024, the number of BEV models grew by an astounding 246%, and in the last 12 months alone, it’s gone up by 39%. This increase in available models gives consumers an incredible range of choices, whether looking for something compact for city driving or a larger model for longer trips.

An emerging trend is the rise of smaller BEV models. Traditionally, the electric car market has been dominated by larger models, but now we’re seeing a shift toward superminis and city cars. These vehicles are more affordable and practical for everyday use, especially in urban areas. This change is helping create a more balanced profile for the new and used BEV market, meaning there are more options at different price points, and it’s not just the premium, high-end models available.

Matt Freeman, managing consultant at Solera cap hpi consulting, notes that one of the key drivers behind this growth is the increasing variety of dependable EV options available. As of January, around 132 new EV models were available in the UK, accounting for a third of all new cars on the market. This expansion gives drivers more choices than ever before, which is important because every consumer has different priorities regarding their next vehicle. There’s now a much broader selection, whether it’s range, performance, or price.

Manufacturers have also been offering attractive discounts and incentives to encourage EV sales. This makes EVs even more appealing, especially as some used models are now priced similarly to or even lower than their petrol counterparts. That’s a game-changer for many people considering an electric car for the first time. Plus, with improvements in range, affordability, and charging infrastructure, EVs are becoming even more practical for daily use, making them an even more viable option.

Looking ahead, the EV market is poised for more exciting developments. The UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires that 28% of new car sales be zero-emission vehicles by 2025, encourages manufacturers to ramp up their EV offerings. As a result, there will be a greater variety of EVs on the market in the coming years. This includes everything from SUVs and seven-seaters to compact city cars and models from manufacturers new to the electric car scene.

There’s no shortage of exciting new EVs on the horizon either. In 2025, we expect some truly innovative releases, including the Renault 5 Turbo 3 E, Range Rover EV, BMW iX3 2025, Audi A6 e-tron, and a new electric Jaguar. These vehicles will bring even more options to the market and increase the choices available to UK drivers.

The entrance of new players, such as Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Leapmotor, will only add to the variety of models available, giving consumers even more choices. The diversity of options from different manufacturers and varying price points means that switching to electric is becoming a more attractive and accessible option for a wider range of motorists.

If you’ve been considering switching to an electric car, the UK market is becoming a much more exciting and accessible place to do so. With more choices, better prices, and improving infrastructure, there’s never been a better time to make the switch and enjoy the benefits of driving electric. Whether you’re looking for a small city car or a larger family vehicle, the future of electric driving looks very promising, and full of exciting possibilities.