Majority of new learner drivers prioritize electric vehicles for first car

The current cohort of learner drivers is becoming the first generation to embrace electric vehicles (EVs) as their primary automotive choice. This shift signals a fundamental transition in driver preferences and environmental attitudes as new motorists enter the market.

According to research from E.ON Next, a majority of new learner drivers—55%—state they want their first vehicle to be fully electric. This preference is translating into market action; data from Select Car Leasing reveals that EVs now account for more than one in four vehicle leases among drivers under the age of 25. This represents a sharp increase from just two years ago, when only one in 20 leases in this age group were for electric models.

The shift to electrification

This trend arrives as the global automotive industry undergoes a transition toward electrification, spurred by regulatory mandates and climate goals. Unlike previous generations of new drivers, today's learners are entering the market at a time when EV technology is more accessible and charging infrastructure is significantly more mature.

For these young drivers, the appeal is largely pragmatic. Those opting for electric models cite low running costs and the convenience of home charging as the primary drivers behind their decision. This suggests that while environmental concerns may play a role, the economic and functional advantages of EVs are the decisive factors for those starting their driving journey.

Industry implications

If new drivers are fundamentally "EV-native," the impact on the broader automotive ecosystem will be profound. A sustained preference for electric power among the youngest demographic will likely accelerate the decline in demand for internal combustion engine vehicles.

This transition will force a rapid evolution in supporting industries. Driver education programs may need to adapt to the different handling and regenerative braking characteristics of EVs, while insurance providers will likely adjust risk models to account for the different maintenance profiles and costs associated with electric fleets. Furthermore, urban infrastructure will face increased pressure to expand public charging networks to accommodate a generation that views the petrol station as an obsolete relic.

Looking ahead

While the data indicates a clear trend, the pace of this transition remains tied to the continued availability of affordable EV models and the expansion of charging grids. Industry observers will be watching whether this majority preference holds as these learners transition from permits to full ownership, and whether the second-hand market can provide enough affordable electric options to sustain the momentum.