UK’s EV choice gets bigger still
The UK media has a decisive role in dispelling the myths around EVs so it was a big positive that more than 250 journalists and influencers tried out the very latest models in all their shapes and sizes at SMMT’s 45th annual Test Day this week. A vibrant line-up showed just how rapidly consumer choice is evolving, with four in five new car models currently available to consumers having electrified powertrains and almost two in five completely zero emission, offering an average range of almost 300 miles on a single charge.
These were unimaginable achievements when Test Day was launched back in 1979.
Getting here did not happen overnight and demonstrates industry’s long-term commitment to decarbonisation, with BEVs now representing a fifth (20.4%) of all new cars joining UK roads, up from 16.9% a year ago. That’s very impressive – yet still well below government’s mandated 28% BEV share this year. Industry, government and drivers alike want uptake to accelerate but the cost of making an EV, and therefore buying one, remains stubbornly high with action needed to help more new car buyers switch.
Our modelling shows halving VAT on new EV purchases would put more than two million new EVs on the road by 2028, cutting emissions by millions of tonnes annually. Removing disincentives, meanwhile, such as the VED Expensive Car Supplement and the unfairly higher VAT on public charging, would make EVs even more affordable – sending the right signal to consumers.
The new bus, coach and minibus market also has an essential role in decarbonising road transport. The latest SMMT data, published today, shows the market grew for the eighth consecutive quarter amid recovering ridership – and more people are able to travel on zero emission buses after a 129.5% rise in fleet uptake. OEM innovation has been immense with almost 20 different zero emission models now available, offering major benefits from cleaner air and quieter roads to an improved user experience.
Zero emission trucks offer similar advantages so it is positive that registrations grew in Q1, albeit still accounting for just 1.0% of the overall new HGV market. As SMMT set out at the Commercial Vehicle Show last month, fast-tracking grid connections for heavy vehicle charging infrastructure, at transport depots, shared hubs and on the strategic road network, is a prerequisite for allowing more truck operators to decarbonise.
The UK already manufactures many different zero emission models – cars, vans, buses and trucks – so scaling up is now our goal. With two gigafactory locations either in production or build, we are well positioned for investment but need the right conditions especially on energy. With a stronger EV manufacturing base and thriving consumer demand, the UK can compete for more future global investment – bringing the jobs, economic growth and decarbonisation we need.