Shades of change:
How color preferences could influence EV adoption.

In the ever-evolving automotive industry, the significance of car color extends beyond aesthetics, embodying personal taste, societal trends and even technological progress. As the UK embraces Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandates, understanding and addressing the nuances that could influence electric vehicle (EV) adoption becomes imperative. Among these, vehicle color preference stands out as a subtle yet influential factor that warrants closer examination for its potential impact on consumer behavior and market dynamics.

Recent analysis of color preferences among new car buyers in the UK reveals interesting insights, particularly when comparing the offerings and choices between EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Despite the dominance of traditional color families like grey, black, white and blue, there’s a notable discrepancy in the variety of color families offered by EV manufacturers compared to their ICE counterparts. For instance, Tesla, a leading EV brand, provides just five color options, whereas Volkswagen, a top ICE manufacturer, offers a broader spectrum of 14 color family choices.

This difference in color availability could influence private buyer preferences. In 2023, the color preferences of private passenger car buyers remained consistent across both EV and ICE segments. Grey emerged as the top choice, comprising 27% of purchases, followed closely by black, white, blue and red. However, a shift towards less conventional colors (white, blue and red) was more pronounced among EVs. The divergence is particularly evident in the choices of white and blue, with nearly a 2% higher preference among EV owners. This disparity is partly attributed to Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y, which featured white as a no-cost option until mid-2023, boosting its popularity.

Top-10 most popular colors in 2023 among private buyers

This nuanced understanding of regional preferences underscores the importance of recognizing geographic and demographic influences on color choice. A tailored approach, as opposed to a broad, one-size-fits-all strategy, is crucial for aligning EV color offerings with localized tastes and preferences. By navigating these potentially overlooked yet significant barriers to EV adoption, manufacturers and dealers can pave a smoother path towards a sustainable automotive future, enhancing the appeal of EVs and contributing to the broader goal of emission reduction.

Dominant color choice by post code district in 2023 among private buyers