Motorists in the UK are now driving further in electric vehicles (EVs) than in petrol-powered models, according to new data from Solera cap hpi, a global leader in vehicle lifecycle management.
The research shows that in January 2015, EV drivers averaged 6,355 miles per year – 2,288 miles less than their petrol counterparts. A decade on, that trend has dramatically reversed. As of January 2025, the average annual mileage for EVs stands at 8,740 miles, 444 miles more than the petrol vehicle average.
The tipping point occurred in April 2023, when EVs began consistently outpacing petrol cars in monthly mileage, a pattern that has continued ever since.
Solera cap hpi attributes the shift to several factors, including advancements in EV technology, increased consumer confidence driven by improved battery range, and the expansion of public and domestic charging infrastructure. The market has also seen a broader selection of EV models, moving beyond compact designs to include SUVs and family vehicles.
Conversely, petrol car mileage has seen a steady decline – down 12% over the past decade. This is largely due to changing work patterns, particularly the rise of hybrid and remote working, reduced commuting, increased environmental awareness, and a growing reliance on public transport and online services.
Dylan Setterfield, Head of Forecast Strategy at Solera cap hpi, said: “Our data reveals that people in the UK are driving increasingly fewer miles now than they were 10 years ago. It also shows that EV motorists now travel further in their cars than drivers of petrol cars and have been doing so consistently for almost two years. The data indicates that the changes in driving habits are likely to be long-lasting, reflecting that people’s day-to-day lives now involve less driving than they used to.”
