MG outperforming legacy brands for EV ownership, finds JudgeService

MG boasts the highest proportion of electric vehicle (EV) owners among car brands that still offer combustion engines, according to a new study by JudgeService.

The research, which surveyed over 5,700 consumers, found that 41% of MG owners drive EVs, narrowly surpassing those who own petrol models (46%).

The Chinese-owned brand outperformed all other legacy automakers in EV adoption, with Jaguar coming in second place at 24%, and an even split between petrol and diesel ownership at 33% each. Dacia ranked third with 17%, followed by Kia (15%) and Renault (14%).

Outside the top five, EV ownership significantly dropped, with Nissan - an early leader in the electric market with the Leaf - registering just 10%, alongside Fiat. Hyundai and Seat followed closely with 9%, while Skoda rounded out the top ten at 8%.

For plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Land Rover led the pack with 10% ownership, followed by MG (9.5%) and Volvo (9%). In the self-charging hybrid category, Toyota dominated at 45%, with Honda (36%) and Kia (17%) trailing behind.

In terms of traditional powertrains, Mini had the highest proportion of petrol ownership at 87%, while Land Rover led diesel ownership at 63%.

Neil Addley, managing director of JudgeService, highlighted the significance of MG’s achievement as carmakers focus on meeting the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate.

"MG has risen to the challenge, with its mission to champion affordable EV ownership clearly resonating with buyers. Four in 10 MG owners choosing electric powertrains is an extraordinary achievement for a challenger brand," Addley said.

The findings are part of the annual JudgeService State of the Nation report, set to be published this month.