Why young drivers will only drive EVs in the UK

Driving EVs in the UK - The choice of younger drivers

Nostalgia is almost certainly a big driver behind many electric car options. We have already noticed iconic names and brands like the Ford Capri, Renault 5 and Nissan Micra being reinvented in all-electric format. Icons of the 1980s and 1990s brought to life with batteries, technology and modern comforts.

While more hardened and devout followers of the movements were horrified, many were also swayed by the new direction which the electric car industry has taken. Vehicles with character, passion and emotion have made a real impact in the UK car market and the adage that BEV transport is boring or soulless, has almost gone away. Yes, some UK drivers will never like, drive or adopt the benefits or joys of zero-emission driving. However,  many will do so.

The younger generation, with an ambition for change, tech and making a difference, are almost certainly one target. The iconic cars we mentioned above were once adored by teenagers and younger people in their 20's, so why can’t other vehicles be aspired to in the same way?

Well, another old favourite is making its way back into the car industry in the shape of the Audi A2. A firm favourite for many younger drivers back in 1999 - 2005, this was Audi's answer to a small and affordable car, just before their trend setter Audi A1 launched.

But for 2026 and beyond, the Audi A2 has taken a completely different look and approach, with the German automotive powerhouse creating an exciting and aspirational EV. This is maybe one which the younger drivers of the UK will look to procure with the same excitement of young people in the late 1990's.

Are young drivers actually considering going electric with their next new car?

Apparently so, as recent research noted in the RAC demonstrates. Noting feedback from E.ON Next, it was interesting that from 1,500 drivers aged 17 – 20, 55% wanted their next car to be electric. Additionally, 23% thought that petrol / diesel vehicles were as outdated as the landline telephone system.

With younger drivers more keenly focused on costs, technology and environmental measures, the ability to harness all of this within the EV is somewhat attractive. In the survey, some 56% considered that driving an EV would save them money too. With lower fuel costs, better ranges (and cost per mile expenditure) along with lower servicing and maintenance costs, are the younger drivers wrong? 

Convenience was another solid point indicated within the research, with 19% considering that charging at home was much easier along with 18% commenting that less trips to the fuel / service station is a better solution. EV's are not just a company car tool for middle aged drivers; the product is very much designed to be one for all.

So what are Audi bringing to the market with their new A2 EV?

The official launch date for the new Audi A2 is October 2026  and deliveries in the UK are expected to be in early 2027. However, the full configuration and build should be ready for the UK leasing market in Autumn 2026. An electric original, the new A2 is a confident design and unique just like its predecessor.

But as the icon reimagined for the new era, this will be Audi’s most efficient Audi to date with innovations which enhance every drive. Some of the key features include the instant acceleration and handling of the small car but with the comforts of an SUV. With optional adaptive dampers, you can make drive precision a reality.

The new A2 wing door handles are an ergonomic masterpiece, with the car sensing your approach to elegantly present the handle for you to open the vehicle. With the distinctive front and back, the vehicle offers a smooth and aerodynamic appearance. Add the ultra-thin Matrix LED lights to complete the sharp look. An array of alloys will include the 18” for the Technik, 19” on the Sport and S Line and the 20” on the Edition 1.

Inside the A2 a clean and confident design will follow, with the trimmed sports seats or the microfibre and red stitching on the Edition 1 along with power seats with memory. An optional panoramic roof will add to the already wide and spacious interior, which is very much focused on an airy feel.

For the younger customers, Audi have concentrated on technology with the integrated drive mode on the steering column, the dual screen MMI Panoramic Display and with the Technology Pack, you can have the submersive SONOS premium sound.

The FIDLOCK allows for mechanical locking and magnetic attraction to keep items safe in the cabin, with the dual wireless phone charging (with cooling) there to make your experience a convenient one. The latest in driver safety and tech means the adaptive driving assistant allows ease of lane change (with precaution) as well the added braking assistance. The reversing camera is standard on all models, while the Edition 1 will add the park assist plus and 360 degree 3D camera.

However, the Audi engineers are convinced they have not only created an exciting proposition but a car which is “inspiring from every angle”. With a smooth and unbroken surface, the aerodynamic lines help keep battery and range efficiency high on the agenda.

The Sport (and above) trims are all now standard with Bidirectional charging ensuring that the next evolution of the “e-tron” is here. But for those with a practical requirement, note the 396 litres of luggage space or 1336 litres with all the seats folded down. Want to find out more? Head to the Audi manufacturer website.

How does the new Audi A2 EV perform?

Choose from the 4 battery configurations below:

•  A2 e-tron 125 kW / 50 kWh – from £32,200 this RWD hatchback will have a 50 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 8.8 seconds, 99 mph top speeds and 125 kW (or 168 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 165 miles with warmer weather allowing for 230 miles – 200 miles combined. On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 5 hour and 30 minute 0 – 100% charging times with the 100 kW DC maximum allowing 25 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 396L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 162 mpg. This option can tow 750kg (unbraked) and 1600kg (braked). This EV will have Bidirectional charging – the exterior type 2 and the interior UK socket are available to you. The heat pump is not a standard option;

•  A2 e-tron 140 kW / 58 kWh – from £35,500 this RWD hatchback will have a 58 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.9 seconds, 99 mph top speeds and 140 kW (or 188hp). Expect a combined winter range of 195 miles with warmer weather allowing for 270 miles – 230 miles combined. On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 6 hour and 15 minute 0 – 100% charging times with the 105 kW DC maximum allowing 27 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 396L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 160 mpg. This option can tow 750kg (unbraked) and 1600kg (braked). This EV will have Bidirectional charging – the exterior type 2 and the interior UK socket are available to you. The heat pump is not a standard option;

•  A2 e-tron 170kW / 79 kWh – from £41,000 this RWD hatchback will have a 79 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.0 seconds, 99 mph top speeds and 170 kW (or 228hp). Expect a combined winter range of 260 miles with warmer weather allowing for 360 miles – 310 miles combined. On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 8 hour and 30 minute 0 – 100% charging times with the 183 kW DC maximum allowing 30 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 396L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 160 mpg. This option can tow 750kg (unbraked) and 1600kg (braked). This EV will have Bidirectional charging – the exterior type 2 and the interior UK socket are available to you. The heat pump is not a standard option; and 

• A2 e-tron 240kW / 79 kWh – from £43,000 this RWD hatchback will have a 79 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 5.7 seconds, 124 mph top speeds and 240 kW (or 322hp). Expect a combined winter range of 260 miles with warmer weather allowing for 360 miles – 310 miles combined. On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 8 hour and 30 minute 0 – 100% charging times with the 183 kW DC maximum allowing 30 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 396L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 159 mpg. This option can tow 750kg (unbraked) and 1600kg (braked). This EV will have Bidirectional charging – the exterior type 2 and the interior UK socket are available to you. The heat pump is not a standard option. 

Want to know more about going into this new family SUV?

Head to our dedicated Audi special offers section or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]