Drivers more likely to switch to electric vehicles according to new research

93% of used car dealers say the used electric car market is at a pivotal point, with motorists more interested in making the switch to electric.

This comes off the back of a paper from The University of Exeter, highlighting that the electric car market is “near to an irreversible positive tipping point” in leading markets, which is likely to spread globally, particularly if “supported by co-ordinated policy and innovation”.

Exeter University’s take

Researchers at the University of Exeter say electric vehicles are better for the environment than petrol or diesel cars and a positive global tipping point will come when EVs cost the same to manufacture as conventional cars. They use the example of Norway, whose progressive tax system has made EVs cheaper than comparable petrol models. Over 88.9% of new vehicles bought in Norway (in 2024) are electric and Exeter University researchers believe a small number of key locations will help drive further change:

“China, the EU and California are together responsible for half the world’s car sales, each has committed to rapid decarbonisation targets and acting together, they could shift investment throughout the global industry, increasing EV production and decreasing costs”.

As Dr Jean-Francois Mercure, Senior Lecturer in Global Systems, says:

"Assuming the cost of EVs continues to fall, we expect the Positive Tipping Point quite soon – in the 2020s. And then there's no stopping it, because why would anyone buy a petrol vehicle past that point?"

Startline Used Car Tracker findings

How near are we to the tipping point? August’s Startline Used Car Tracker* shows some interesting findings. As well as 93% of dealers agreeing that the used electric car market in the UK is at a pivotal positive point, the data also shows that 53% think buyers are much more comfortable with electric cars. 41% report that interest from buyers is becoming much more serious.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said:

“Simply, we wanted to see whether dealers agreed with the academics – and the response was overwhelmingly positive. It perhaps isn’t a surprise to see a majority of dealers believe a pivotal moment for electric cars is approaching, but the very high degree of backing for this idea is something of a shock. Essentially, our data shows electrification is very close to being an accepted fact of the used car market… there is now a sense of genuine momentum.”

Our reaction

EVCP solutions Head of EV Charging, Graeme Patton, commented:

“The used EV market is certainly experiencing record sales and rapidly growing availability due to fleet returns and increased demand from drivers. It’s positive to see the latest data supporting this, and 93% of those dealers asked agreeing that we’re on the edge of a positive tipping point for electric vehicles. We’re working hard to do our bit to support the switch and have some exciting announcements of our own over the coming months.”

We look forward to being able to share more with you very soon, as we continue to support the switch to electric.  

*The August Startline Used Car Tracker questioned 300 consumers and 60 dealers.