The UK is accelerating further towards a greener transport future, as stats revealed that over half a million ultra-low emission vehicles are now being driven on roads across the country. This comes as statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that 13.6% of new cars sold in the past 4 months had a plug, with ultra-low emission cars accounting for more than 1 in 10 sales last year, up from 1 in 30 the year before.
The UK is at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, with the government committing to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and to ensure all new cars and vans will be zero emissions at the tailpipe by 2035.
The government has pledged a £2.8 billion package of measures to support industry and drivers to make the switch to cleaner vehicles. This will help us meet our climate change obligations, improve air quality in our towns and cities and support economic growth, with vehicles built here in the UK.
A significant number of EV models have seen price reductions in recent months – making them more accessible and affordable for motorists around the country – as more and more people make the switch to ultra low emission vehicles.
More affordable batteries also mean that manufacturers have been able to increase the range of these vehicles, with many EVs now able to drive over 200 or even 300 miles on a charge, so that motorists can use them for longer journeys.
Not only that – today, but a driver is also never more than 25 miles away from a rapid charge point anywhere along England’s motorways and major A roads. And the UK already has a network of over 23,000 public charge points, with more fast charge points per 100 miles of key strategic road than any other European country.
The government has committed to providing £1.3 billion over the next 4 years – from the wider supportive package – to encourage the continued roll-out of charge points on motorways and major A roads, in homes and businesses, and on-street.
Source: UK Department of Transport
