Brand new electric cars cheaper than petrol for third month running as discounting drives EV affordability
Brand new electric vehicles (EVs) are undercutting petrol cars on upfront costs for the third consecutive month, according to the latest data from Autotrader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace.
Driven by deep manufacturer discounting—with average savings on new electric models holding at 11.7% off RRP—combined with the Government’s Electric Car Grant, the average price of a brand-new EV now stands at £43,049 after discounts. This undercuts the average new petrol car (£43,178) and, with around 40 electric models now priced under £30,000, is lowering the barrier to entry for buyers.
Rising fuel costs are further accelerating this shift, with Autotrader’s data showing that improving EV affordability is translating into increased demand. Indeed, electric vehicles accounted for 29% of new car enquiries in April, marking the first month ever they have taken the largest share.
Affordable EV models lead demand
Skoda leads the electric model rankings this month, with the Elroq currently the UK’s most in demand EV. The Czech manufacturer’s compact crossover has generated a 4.1% share of enquiries in May to date, driven by attractive finance offers and Electric Car Grant availability. It narrowly outperformed the Renault 5 E-Tech (3.8%) and Kia EV3 (3.7%). The success of these models, priced at around £30,000 or below, underlines the growing demand for more affordable electric options.
Demand is also strengthening across the wider new car market, with visits to Autotrader’s new car platform up 18% year-on-year in May to date. Retailers are responding by increasing the visibility and availability of their stock, with new car listings on Autotrader up 8% month-on-month and 12% year-on-year, putting more vehicles in front of the UK’s largest pool of active car buyers.
Jaecoo returns to the top as May’s most in-demand new vehicle
Across the all-fuel new car market, challenger brand Jaecoo continues to gain momentum with UK buyers. The Jaecoo 7 is the most in-demand new car (all fuel types) so far this month, accounting for 4.3% of all new car enquiries. It outperforms established rivals, including the Land Rover Defender 110 (3.1%) and the Volkswagen Golf (3.0%).
Chinese brands continue to convert strong consumer interest into leads, with Jaecoo, MG, and Omoda all featuring in May’s top ten. However, BMW, remains the ‘hottest’ brand overall (10.2%), ahead of Volkswagen and Land Rover.
The new car market is carrying strong momentum into the summer, with demand growing and stock levels rising as retailers respond to increased consumer interest.
“Competition between manufacturers remains intense, particularly in the electric market, where more affordable models and attractive offers from brands like Skoda and Kia are drawing in buyers. With enquiry levels continuing to act as a leading indicator of sales, retailers that capitalise on this demand now will be best placed to maximise performance in the months ahead.”
To support the industry in combating the misinformation surrounding electric cars, Autotrader, in collaboration with the SMMT and ChargeUK, recently released the quarterly edition of its ‘Electric Cars: The Facts’. Among other key updates, it revealed that potential fuel cost savings for running an EV reached £960 last month, representing the highest savings since records began. For more information, please click here.
Most in-demand new car electric models on Autotrader in May 2026 ranked by enquiries/leads.
Most in-demand new car electric brands[1] on Autotrader in May 2026 ranked by enquiries/leads.
Most in-demand new car models on Autotrader in May 2026 ranked by enquiries/leads – all fuel types.
Most in-demand new car brands on Autotrader in May 2026 ranked by enquiries/leads – all fuel types.
[1] Based on brands’ electric models only
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