Electric cars cost less than petrol models for the third straight month, according to new data from Autotrader. The online marketplace’s April sales data shows manufacturer discounts and cheaper EV models are finally making electric vehicles more accessible.
New EVs averaged £43,049 in April compared with £43,178 for petrol cars.
That’s a shift driven by what Autotrader calls “deep” manufacturer discounting – with electric models averaging 11.7% off retail prices – plus the Government’s Electric Car Grant helping buyers.
The growing selection of affordable electric vehicles is changing the market landscape. Around 40 electric models now cost under £30,000, lowering the entry barrier for buyers who previously couldn’t afford to go electric.
Electric vehicles captured 29% of all new car enquiries in April – the first time they’ve taken the largest share.
Top sellers included some surprising budget options. The Skoda Elroq starts just under £30,000 with the grant, while the Renault 5 begins at £21,500 and the Kia EV3 costs around £3,000.
Rising fuel prices are accelerating the switch to electric. Drivers are increasingly drawn to EVs as petrol costs climb and electric charging remains relatively stable.
Market Competition Intensifies
“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,” said Bex Kennett, head of new car performance at Autotrader.
The fuel cost advantage has never been stronger.
Autotrader’s recent Electric Cars: The Facts report found potential fuel savings reached £960 last month – the highest since they began tracking the data. That’s real money staying in drivers’ pockets rather than going to fuel stations.
The trend suggests electric vehicles are moving from premium curiosity to mainstream necessity. With more affordable options hitting showrooms and manufacturer incentives making them competitive on price, EVs are no longer just for early adopters or luxury buyers.
Three consecutive months of price advantages indicate this isn’t a temporary market blip. It’s a fundamental shift as automakers ramp up electric production and compete for market share in what’s becoming the dominant vehicle category.
