EV adoption growth England is becoming increasingly broad-based, according to new analysis showing that electric vehicle uptake is expanding beyond the wealthiest communities.
The research examines the proportion of vehicles that are electric across different levels of deprivation using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), revealing a shift in adoption patterns over recent years.
Historically, electric vehicle ownership was concentrated in the least deprived areas, where higher household incomes made early adoption easier. However, recent year-on-year growth suggests the transition to electric mobility is becoming more widespread.
EV adoption growth England widens across communities
The analysis shows that while EV ownership remains higher in less deprived areas, recent growth is now occurring across almost all deprivation deciles.
Earlier in the transition, growth between 2021 and 2022 was largely concentrated in more affluent communities. By contrast, more recent data indicates that EV adoption growth is now distributed far more evenly across England.
Only the most deprived 10% of areas continue to experience significantly slower growth in EV adoption, highlighting ongoing barriers linked to income, housing conditions and infrastructure access.
John Lewis, CEO of char.gy, said the shift reflects a maturing electric vehicle market.
“EV adoption started in wealthier areas, but what’s encouraging is how that’s changing. While growth in 2021–22 was largely confined to more affluent communities, by 2025 uptake has become much broader. That shows the transition is moving beyond early adopters.”
Analysis showing annual EV adoption growth across deprivation levels in England over the past five years.
Charging access remains key to equitable EV adoption
The findings suggest that infrastructure expansion will play a central role in ensuring the electric vehicle transition continues to broaden across society.
Access to public and on-street charging is particularly important in urban areas where many households do not have private driveways or dedicated parking spaces.
Industry organisations say that expanding reliable public charging infrastructure will be essential to ensure the benefits of electric mobility are accessible to all communities.
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New Automotive, said the expanding second-hand EV market is also helping drive wider adoption.
“The data is clear that motorists the length and breadth of the country are now going electric as the second-hand market booms and more affordable models become available in the new market.”
Tanya Sinclair, CEO of Electric Vehicles UK, said the transition is now occurring across the country.
“Drivers from across the country are going electric, in their thousands. With over two million plug-in vehicles on the road it’s crucial that charging is accessible, reliable and available wherever the vehicles need it.”
Further coverage of electric mobility can be found in the Technology & Innovation section of Climate Global News.
