Jump in affordable electric options | The Facts update
London, 18th March 2025: Auto Trader, the UK’s largest automotive platform, together with ChargeUK and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), share update on their initiative combatting misinformation surrounding electric cars.
The collection of user-friendly, simplified facts that offers a balanced and data-backed view of the reality of owning and driving electric cars has been updated from the launch version released November 2024.
Updates include:
Additionally, charge point tracking company Zapmap and the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) have committed to champion the initiative by promoting to their audiences, enabling The Facts to be seen by even more consumers and retailers.
These facts clarify points such as how electric cars are greener, are no more likely to catch fire than an ICE car, and that the electric range and charging point availability is better than some might think. The information is available for consumers here: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/content/features/electric-cars-facts-and-figures. The data points will be regularly reviewed and updated, with new versions issued when required. This information is endorsed by the Department for Transport.
New data from Auto Trader shows an increase in retailers stocking used electric vehicles, a sign of market confidence. Franchise retailers still dominate the used electric market, due to the young age profile of these cars, with 79% (3.4k) stocking at least one used electric car - a 7% year-on-year (YoY) increase. Whilst 17% (1.9k) independent retailers stock electric cars, this is just a 2% YoY increase, a much slower rate of growth.
Despite consumer and retailer nervousness, 83% of current electric car owners said they would buy electric again.[1]
With decreasing costs, improved range and a chargepoint network growing at lightning speed, there’s never been a better time to switch to electric. It’s brilliant to see the great work the industry is doing in showcasing all the benefits of the transition. We’re investing over £2.3 billion to help the country make a supported switch to electric vehicles, creating high-paid jobs, tapping into a multi-billion pound industry and making the UK a clean energy superpower as part of our Plan for Change."
Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood
Zapmap welcomes the opportunity to be part of this co-ordinated effort to get the facts on the reality of charging out into the market. Through our app, we give confidence to current EV drivers when they are out and about, whilst our unrivalled charging data and insights gives the next wave of EV drivers the confidence to make the switch to electric.
Jade Edwards, Head of Insights at Zapmap
NFDA is delighted to be a part of this industry-wide initiative to champion the facts about electric cars and tackle misinformation as the transition to electric accelerates. As the consumer-facing end of the industry, NFDA members have the professional knowledge and understanding in UK electric vehicle sales, with many accredited through NFDA’s Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme. They provide comprehensive guidance on EV purchases and offer expert after-sales support, with highly trained EV technicians to meet customers' ongoing needs.
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA)
We’re delighted to have the NFDA and Zapmap join us on our mission to provide more balanced and fact-based narratives to both retailers and consumers. We know a change as significant as electrification can leave lots of room for confusion, but we believe if the industry works together, we can help everyone feel confident as they electrify. One highlight of the recent update is the growth of affordable EVs – we need to make sure there’s an EV for everyone and two in five used electric cars now under £20,000 is a good sign.
A summary of the facts can be found here, we encourage them to be shared as widely as possible.
Notes to editors
[1] Auto Trader New Car Awards Research 2024
About Auto Trader
Auto Trader Group plc is the UK’s largest automotive marketplace. It listed on the London Stock Exchange in March 2015 and is a member of the FTSE 100 Index.
Auto Trader’s purpose is Driving Change Together. Responsibly. Auto Trader is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, it aims to build stronger partnerships with its customers and use its voice and influence to drive more environmentally friendly vehicle choices.
With the largest number of car buyers and the largest choice of trusted stock, Auto Trader’s marketplace sits at the heart of the UK car buying process. That marketplace is built on an industry-leading technology and data platform, which is increasingly used across the automotive industry. Auto Trader is continuing to bring more of the car buying journey online, creating an improved buying experience, whilst enabling all its retailer partners to sell vehicles online.
Auto Trader publishes a monthly used car Retail Price Index which is based on pricing analysis of circa 800,000 unique vehicles. This data is used by the Bank of England to feed the broader UK economic indicators.
For more information, please visit: plc.autotrader.co.uk
Media contact: bryony.mannix@autotrader.co.uk
About SMMT and the UK automotive industry
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations, representing the automotive industry in the UK.
The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy, integral to growth, the delivery of net zero and the UK as a global trade hub. It contributes £93 billion turnover and £22 billion value added to the UK economy, and invests around £4 billion each year in R&D. It directly employs 198,000 people in manufacturing and some 813,000 across the wider automotive industry. The sector accounts for 12% of total UK exports of goods with more than 140 countries importing UK-produced vehicles, generating £115 billion of trade in total automotive imports and exports.
The UK manufactures almost every type of vehicle, from cars, to vans, taxis, trucks, buses and coaches, as well as specialist and off-highway vehicles, supported by more than 2,500 component providers and some of the world's most skilled engineers. In addition, the sector has vibrant aftermarket and remanufacturing industries. The automotive industry also supports jobs in other key sectors, including advertising, chemicals, finance, logistics and steel.
More detail on UK Automotive available in SMMT's Motor Industry Facts publication at www.smmt.co.uk/reports/smmt-motor-industry-facts/
Media contact: James Boley – jboley@smmt.co.uk / 07927 668565
About ChargeUK
ChargeUK is the voice of the UK’s EV charging industry – the companies that install and operate the network of electric charging points necessary to underpin the UK’s transition to electric vehicles and Net Zero. Our members operate tens of thousands of public chargers, from on-street residential and workplace charge points to ultra-rapid hubs on motorways and major roads.
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