New electric cars cheaper than petrol on average for first time - Autotrader

NEW EVs are now, on average, cheaper to buy than petrol models for the first time, according to the latest data from Autotrader.

The impact of this pricing trend has become more pronounced in April, with the average new electric car now priced at £42,620 compared with £43,405 for a new petrol model – a £785 difference in favour of electric.

Discounting and government support drive improved affordability and demand

Autotrader says that after reaching a record high in the key plate‑change month of March (12.8%), average discounts on new EVs have eased slightly to 11.7% so far this month. Discounting on electric cars remains historically high and continues to help reverse the price gap with petrol models.

A similar pattern is evident across the wider new car market. The average discount across all fuel types softened to 10.0% in April so far, although this remains well above the level recorded a year ago (8.7%), highlighting continued pricing competition among manufacturers.

As prices become more competitive, consumer interest in new cars has remained strong. Autotrader reports that buyers looking at new cars on the marketplace have risen circa 20% so far in April, with improved affordability, government grant support and the arrival of ‘26 plate’ vehicles all contributing to increased buyer engagement.

MG leads the electric rankings in April so far

MG has reclaimed its position as the most popular new electric car brand on Autotrader in April, accounting for 11.7% of all new electric car enquiries so far, ahead of Renault (7.5%) and Kia (5.9%).

At a model level, the Renault 5 E‑Tech Electric emerged as the most in‑demand electric car among consumers, accounting for 6.4% of all enquiries – almost double the share of its nearest rivals – finishing ahead of the Jaecoo 5 (3.4%) and MG S5 (3.1%).

“The electric car market is becoming increasingly competitive, and despite the challenges created by the ZEV mandate, manufacturers and retailers have worked hard to improve both the supply and affordability of new electric vehicles.”

Bex Kennett, Performance Director, Autotrader Tweet

“At the same time, broader geopolitical uncertainty — including the situation in Iran — has pushed fuel costs and energy security back to the front of buyers’ minds, driving a noticeable uptick in interest in both new and used electric cars on our marketplace. While past spikes in EVs haven’t always translated into sustained purchasing, this combination of improved affordability and shifting attitudes towards the cars, presents a real opportunity to accelerate the switch to electric.”

In March Leasing.com, reported a marked shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles following recent sharp rises in fuel prices.

Most in-demand new car electric models on Autotrader in April 2026 ranked by enquiries/leads

Rank	Make	Model	Share of enquiries
1	Renault	5 E-Tech Electric	6.4%
2	Jaecoo	5	3.4%
3	MG	MG S5	3.1%
4	MG	MG4	2.7%
5	BMW	I5	2.7%
6	Kia	EV3	2.6%
7	Cupra	Born	2.3%
8	Skoda	Elroq	2.2%
9	Leapmotor	B10	2.2%
10	MG	MG S6	2.1%