New regional analysis from Central Contracts, a leading independent contract hire and leasing broker, has mapped the nation’s driving habits, uncovering a stark North-South divide in the transition to green energy.
Analysis of over 18,000 recent vehicle orders reveals that while Londoners are racing toward a fully electric future, drivers in the Midlands and the North are leaning heavily on hybrids and traditional petrol engines to stay mobile.
The data from Central Contracts, which trades as www.LeaseCar.uk, shows that geography remains the biggest predictor of what sits on a UK driveway.
London remains the UK’s electric leader, with 21.1% of all leases being fully electric, almost double the rate of several northern counties. London also boasts the youngest demographic of leasers (average age 42), driven by the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Surrey has emerged as the UK’s hybrid capital, with over 27% of drivers choosing a hybrid over a pure EV or petrol car. In contrast, drivers in West Yorkshire and Kent remain the most loyal to the pump, with 59% and 55% respectively still opting for traditional petrol vehicles.
While diesel has declined nationally, it remains a vital tool for long-distance drivers in the North and Midlands, with Staffordshire recording a diesel adoption rate of 19.9%, more than double that of London (8.9%).
Regions with older average driver ages, such as Staffordshire (49.9 yrs) and Cheshire (49.8 yrs), show a much higher preference for the reliability of diesel and petrol, suggesting that range anxiety remains a barrier for older demographics in more rural or suburban settings.
Women are leading the hybrid charge across all regions; they are significantly more cautious about going fully electric but are the biggest fans of hybrid technology, with women nationally twice as likely to lease a hybrid (22%) than a full EV (11%).
In counties like Lancashire and West Midlands, women make up over 35% of the leasing market, with a strong preference for petrol and hybrid crossovers.
According to Central Contracts, Personal Contract Hire (PCH) is helping drivers navigate this changing landscape. Whether a driver is in an EV hotspot or a rural petrol stronghold, PCH provides ULEZ immunity across London, enabling drivers to lease the latest EVs without the high upfront cost. Elsewhere, drivers can use PCH to test hybrid technology without worrying about future battery degradation or resale value. And with fixed monthly costs, drivers are protected against rising vehicle maintenance and depreciation costs.
Gareth Roberts, strategy director at Central Contracts, said: “Our data shows that the UK car market is currently a ‘tale of two halves.’ In London and the south-east, the move to electric is a policy-driven necessity. But in the North and the Midlands, we’re seeing a much more measured approach, with drivers using hybrids as a vital bridge.
“Personal Contract Hire is the real hero here as it allows drivers the peace of mind to use the fuel type they feel most comfortable with, knowing that they can hand the keys back and upgrade as technology evolves.”