New analysis of electric vehicle adoption across England indicates that while ownership remains higher in less deprived areas, recent growth has become markedly more broad-based. The findings suggest the transition to electric vehicles is no longer concentrated primarily among affluent early adopters, but is now reaching communities across almost all levels of deprivation.

The research compares the proportion of cars on the road that are electric with levels of deprivation, measured using the Index of Multiple Deprivation. Historically, the least deprived areas have recorded the highest concentration of EVs, reflecting the greater purchasing power of wealthier households during the early years of the market.

However, year-on-year growth trends show a shift in this pattern. Between 2021 and 2022, increases in EV adoption were heavily concentrated in the least deprived half of the country, with the most deprived communities seeing comparatively limited gains. By 2025, annual growth is occurring across almost all deprivation deciles, with only the 10 percent most deprived areas experiencing notably slower progress.

John Lewis, CEO of char.gy, said: “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. The focus now must be on ensuring those most disadvantaged communities aren’t left behind by expanding reliable, affordable on-street charging where it’s needed most.”

The narrowing gap in new adoption rates marks a shift in the geography of England’s EV transition. While wealthier communities continue to post strong gains, the latest data suggests the divide in growth rates has reduced significantly.

The analysis also points to structural challenges faced by the most deprived areas. The bottom 10 percent of communities in England experience some of the highest levels of poverty, social pressures and ill health in the country, factors that can compound barriers to vehicle ownership and EV uptake.

Industry leaders say wider market developments are contributing to the broader spread of adoption. The expansion of the second-hand EV market and the availability of more affordable new models have increased access for a wider range of households.

Ben Nelmes, CEO, New Automotive, said: “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. The people’s car is increasingly an EV.”

National charging access remains a key consideration as the market matures. Around 40 percent of UK households have limited access to off-street parking, making public and on-street charging provision particularly important in urban and lower-income areas.

Tanya Sinclair, CEO, Electric Vehicles UK, said: “Drivers from across the country are going electric, in their thousands. With over 2 million plug-in vehicles on the road it’s crucial that charging is accessible, reliable, and available, wherever the vehicles need it. This is not a story of polarisation.”

As uptake expands, infrastructure provision is increasingly seen as central to maintaining equitable growth. Households without driveways are more dependent on local public charging networks, placing pressure on local authorities and charging providers to expand coverage in densely populated neighbourhoods.

char.gy, which manages a network of more than 4,000 public charge points across the UK, works with local authorities to deploy on-street charging infrastructure. The company states that approximately 40 percent of UK households face challenges charging at home due to limited access to off-street parking.

To support network expansion, char.gy has secured a £100 million commitment from Zouk Capital and the Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund to scale up its operations. The investment is intended to help expand access to charging infrastructure and support up to one million drivers by 2030.

The latest analysis suggests that as infrastructure improves and EVs become more mainstream, adoption is spreading beyond its initial base. Continued attention to access in the most deprived communities is likely to shape the next phase of the transition, particularly as the UK works toward its broader decarbonisation goals in transport.