More than two-thirds (70%) of young people would choose to take their driving test in an electric vehicle if available to them.

70% of learner drivers aged 18-24 would like to take their driving test in an EV

The study, carried out among 500 learner drivers aged 18-24 across the UK, also found that young women were more likely than their male counterparts to want to take their test in an EV (73% versus 67% respectively).

Published in the same week that Red Driving School announced it will go all-electric on its learner fleet by 2025, the analysis was commissioned by LeasePlan UK, which said the findings highlight the growing popularity of EVs amongst the younger generation.

Three-quarters (74%) of respondents said they were considering getting an EV as their first vehicle, and almost half (49%) said that they would prefer leasing over purchasing to reduce the upfront costs.

Once again, more women than men showed an interest in driving an EV, with 78% of female respondents saying they would look to get an EV after passing their test compared to 66% of male respondents.

But cost remains a significant hurdle for many young people looking to go electric: almost three-quarters (74%) of male and female respondents reported this as the main barrier to entry. More than half (56%) said they were worried about insufficient charging infrastructure, while a third (33%) said that a lack of experience of driving an EV would deter them from opting for one as their first vehicle.

Alfonso Martinez, managing director of LeasePlan UK, said: “As the research confirms, we are now starting to see a new generation of drivers emerge – young people who want to go electric because they see it as the right thing to do.

“We therefore need to ensure that they have access to EV driving lessons, as well as the option of sitting their test in an EV. While those who sit their test in an EV won’t be able to go on to drive a manual car, it is evident that many people would prefer to have this as an option.”

Martinez added that it was crucial that all young drivers, regardless of their socio-economic background, are given the opportunity to drive an EV.

“Without the necessary support in place, large percentages of the population will be forced to opt for older, more polluting vehicles, simply because they can’t afford to do otherwise. It is the job of manufacturers and the Government to step up and lead the way with greater affordability and incentives.”