UK Government will Ban the Sale of New Petrol and Diesel Vehicles by 2030

The United Kingdom (UK) has made significant strides in adopting electric vehicles (EVs) and developing necessary infrastructure, such as charging stations. With the government’s strong commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the UK has emphasised reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in the transportation sector. The following Climate Scorecard Post analyses the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and chargers in the UK, comparing current numbers with those from five years ago, and projecting future trends in EV adoption.

Current Number of EVs and Chargers in the UK

As of 2024, the UK has approximately 1.1 million electric vehicles on the road, comprising around 3.2% of the total vehicles (around 34 million) used across the country (UK Government, 2024). This figure marks a significant increase from just five years ago in 2019, when EVs accounted for roughly 0.6% of all vehicles, totalling around 250,000 units. The steady rise in the adoption of EVs reflects both the government’s policies to incentivise green transport and the growing consumer acceptance of electric vehicles.

The UK also has a rapidly expanding public and private EV chargers network, with around 37,000 charging points available by 2024 (Zap-Map, 2024). This infrastructure is essential for supporting the growth of EV adoption, particularly as the number of electric vehicles continues to rise.

Future Projections of EVs and Charging Infrastructure

The number of electric vehicles on the road is expected to continue growing exponentially. By 2029, projections indicate that around 5 million electric vehicles will be used, making up approximately 15% of the total vehicle fleet (National Grid ESO, 2023). By 2034, this number is expected to rise even further, reaching approximately 10 million EVs, or around 30% of UK vehicles. These predictions are supported by the government’s aggressive targets, such as the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, which is expected to drive the uptake of electric vehicles significantly.

The charging infrastructure is also expanding in parallel with the rise in EV numbers. By 2030, the number of EV chargers in the UK could be estimated to surpass 100,000, ensuring greater accessibility for users. This includes fast and slower, destination-type chargers catering to different needs across urban and rural areas.

Leading EV Manufacturers in the UK

The leading manufacturers of electric vehicles in the UK include global companies like Tesla, Nissan, BMW, and Audi. Tesla has maintained its position as the market leader with its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, offering affordable, high-performance electric cars that UK consumers have well received. With its Leaf model, Nissan is a long-standing player in the UK’s electric vehicle market. Meanwhile, BMW and Audi are focusing on premium electric models, further diversifying consumers’ options.

In terms of production, most of the electric vehicles sold in the UK are imported. While the UK has some domestic EV production, including the Nissan Leaf manufactured in Sunderland, many EVs are imported from markets like Germany, the United States, and China. However, the UK government is encouraging domestic manufacturing, as evidenced by investments from companies like Britishvolt, which plans to establish a battery Gigafactory in the UK to help support the electric vehicle industry.

Impact of EV Usage on Emissions

The adoption of electric vehicles is expected to impact the UK’s emissions trajectory significantly. The transport sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, contributing around 28% of the total emissions in 2022 (UK Government, 2023). By transitioning to electric vehicles, the country can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and other harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx).

While the full environmental benefits of EVs depend on the electricity grid’s carbon intensity, the overall reduction in emissions is expected to be substantial. As the grid becomes greener with an increasing share of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, the emissions from all vehicles will continue to decline. A study by the Department for Transport (2023) suggests that if EV adoption continues at the current pace, the transport sector could contribute a 20% reduction in overall UK emissions by 2035.

Government Supervision of Domestic Transportation

In the UK, the Department for Transport (DfT) oversees the domestic transportation sector, including regulating and promoting electric vehicles. The current Minister for Transport, Mark Harper, plays a pivotal role in driving policies that support EV adoption, such as funding for charging infrastructure and grants for EV buyers.

The UK’s transition to electric mobility is closely monitored and regulated by the DfT, which is also responsible for ensuring that transportation systems are prepared for the anticipated growth of electric vehicles. The government’s focus on infrastructure development, alongside stricter emissions standards, is expected to drive further innovation and investment in the sector.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom is making impressive progress in adopting electric vehicles and expanding charging infrastructure. With a strong governmental push toward electrification, the future of transportation in the UK is expected to be dominated by electric vehicles. This transition will help reduce emissions from the transport sector and play a significant role in achieving the UK’s long-term climate goals. As the number of electric vehicles and charging stations continues to rise, the UK is positioning itself as a global leader in the shift toward a greener, more sustainable transportation system.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard UK Country Manager Cesar A. A. Da Silva.

Contact Information

For further information on the UK’s electric vehicle policies and domestic transportation supervision, you can contact the Department for Transport (DfT):

Department for Transport (DfT)
Address: Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR, UK
Phone: +44 300 330 3000
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport

Minister for Transport
Mark Harper
Email: transport.minister@dft.gov.uk

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