Electric vehicle purchase intent among prospective UK new-car buyers has climbed sharply over the past year, according to research from Automotive Insights. The study suggests that EVs are becoming a more central part of new-car shopping decisions, while interest in Chinese brands is also increasing.
More than 64% of prospective new-car buyers consider an EV
Automotive Insights reported that EV purchase intent among prospective new-car buyers rose by almost 18% between the third quarter of 2025 and the third quarter of 2026. More than 64% of people planning to buy a new car said they were considering an electric vehicle.
Interest was lower when the research covered all car buyers, rather than only those intending to purchase a new vehicle. However, it still increased by around five percentage points over the same period, reaching just under 47%.
The findings are based on Automotive Insights’ ongoing research programme, which surveys 1,000 UK motorists every month to monitor changes in consumer attitudes and buying behaviour.
The study also points to a difference between general consideration and stronger purchase intention. Around 14% of all buyers surveyed said they were “very likely” to purchase an EV. Among prospective new-car buyers, that figure rose to just under 25%.
Chinese marques attract greater buyer attention
Alongside the increase in EV consideration, Automotive Insights identified growing willingness among consumers to consider Chinese car brands. Among all buyers, the share describing themselves as very likely to consider a Chinese brand increased from 6% in the first quarter of 2026 to 7% in the third quarter.
The proportion was higher among prospective new-car buyers, reaching 12%. That gap indicates that consumers entering the new-car market may be more open to newer automotive brands than the wider car-buying population.
Chinese manufacturers have become increasingly relevant to the UK EV market as established carmakers and newer entrants compete for customers shifting away from petrol and diesel vehicles. Automotive Insights said the combined trends in EV and Chinese-brand consideration were contributing to changes in the UK new-car market.
EVs and hybrids reshape competitive conditions
According to Automotive Insights, EV and hybrid sales are growing while petrol and diesel volumes are declining. Richard Walker, executive director of research, data and insights at the company, said the UK new-car market was continuing to expand in 2026, supported by momentum behind electrified vehicles.
Walker said Tesla’s market share was “flat to declining” while Chinese and other new brands were rapidly gaining ground. He added that the company’s AIRS research indicated increasing consumer intent to buy EVs and greater consideration of Chinese brands, particularly among prospective new-car buyers.
“The UK new-car market continues to grow in 2026, with strong momentum of adoption of EVs and hybrids,” Walker said. He said the findings pointed to further market transformation following September’s major registration period.
Consumer evidence becomes more important for the industry
For carmakers, retailers, finance providers and charging-sector businesses, the research highlights the importance of tracking intent as well as registrations. Purchase consideration does not necessarily translate directly into vehicle sales, but it can provide an early signal of changing demand and competitive pressure.
Darren Moon, Automotive Insights’ strategic partnership director, said understanding what influences consumer decisions was increasingly important as the automotive market becomes more complex. He said the company’s research was intended to provide organisations with a consistent view of consumer behaviour and support decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
