Car ownership remains a cornerstone of UK life, with 73% of drivers saying they can’t imagine life without one, but younger motorists are driving change, according to Enterprise Mobility’s latest survey.
Gen Z and Millennials are nearly three times more likely to own a plug-in hybrid than older generations (8% vs 3%), and 10% now drive fully electric vehicles. In total, 23% of Britons use a hybrid, plug-in or electric vehicle as their main car. Younger drivers also see EVs positively, with 56% calling them “fun to drive” and 46% believing they’re cheaper to own long-term.
Commuting costs are rising sharply — UK workers now spend an average of £507 more per year getting to work than in 2024, and 43% say affordability would most improve their daily travel.
When it comes to technology, drivers want balance over complexity. More than half (54%) say cars now pack in too much tech, while 64% would trade the latest gadgets for a lower price. Still, 47% value advanced safety features such as blind-spot detection and emergency braking.
Despite lingering scepticism around automation, those who’ve experienced autonomous vehicles firsthand are overwhelmingly positive — 91% report equal or greater trust after riding in one.