Motorfinity recorded a 500% year-on-year increase in EV sales during the first quarter of 2026 as fuel costs and discounts drove stronger consumer demand.
The business provides new car discounts and leasing deals to frontline workers, including the NHS, emergency services, military personnel, and teachers.
The company said battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 19% of total sales in Q1, up from 5% during the same period last year.
Motorfinity attributed the growth to rising petrol and diesel prices, which it said increased refuelling costs by up to £27 per tank, alongside growing consumer focus on long-term running costs.
The business also reported total customer savings of £6.3 million during the quarter, up 90% year-on-year.
Average customer savings reached £8,000 per vehicle sold in Q1, which Motorfinity said was 20% higher than the same period in 2025.
The company also recorded a 49% increase in enquiries compared with Q4 2025.
Rising fuel prices have shifted the conversation for EVs
Daniel Briggs, chief executive at Motorfinity, said previous customer research showed upfront affordability remained a major barrier to EV adoption.
He said: “According to our own customer survey last year, 66% told us they weren’t willing to pay a premium price to purchase an EV, showing just how important short-term savings and upfront costs are for people when making a decision on their next motor.”
Briggs said rising fuel prices had shifted attention towards total running costs: “Fast forward a few months, however, and the recent rise in petrol and diesel prices has caused lots of people to seriously consider the long-term costs of running their car too, as every petrol station visit soon adds up.”
Briggs also highlighted the impact of government support measures, including the electric car grant, with the Government recently confirming over 100,000 people have benefited from the funding already.
Motorfinity said it had also expanded its manufacturer partnerships in recent months, adding brands including Smart, Genesis and Changan to its network.
Briggs said broader EV availability was helping consumers access more choice while still securing competitive pricing.
He added: “It’s been a strong start to the year for us, as we’ve also bolstered our existing car manufacturer partnerships by welcoming brands including Smart, Genesis and Changan to our roster which now includes more than 20 established and disruptive new brands.
“Many of these brands and manufacturers offer EVs, and this means people can access even more choice while still getting a great deal, rather than feeling like they need to settle for ‘second best’ if on a budget.”
Motorfinity was shortlisted in the EV Advocate of the Year category at the 2026 AM Awards.