The number of new electric cars registered in the UK in October 2019 was 3,162: many more than the 1,256 that were registered in October 2018. These figures show that there was a massive 151.8 percent boost from the electric car sales figures released a year ago as more consumers make the switch to more eco-friendly vehicles. Although the demand for electric cars in the UK is growing rapidly, they still make up a tiny percentage of vehicles in the UK, and it is hard for many people to imagine a future where electric cars will be the norm. However, there are various signs that indicate that the UK could be headed for an electric car revolution in the near future.
Customers have a lot more options
Compared to 10 years ago, customers have a lot more electric car options, whether they need a sedan, SUV, truck or even a luxury sports car. There are so many types of electric cars, both from the existing vehicle manufacturers like Mercedes, BMW and Audi, and from the new electric vehicle manufacturers such as Tesla. As a result, there are websites where people interested in buying electric cars can compare the various options available and refer to information collected from vehicle owners to find one that suits them. One recent development that is expected to have a huge positive impact on the electric car industry in the UK and Europe as a whole is Tesla’s recent announcement that it plans to open a gigantic factory in Berlin that will build batteries, powertrains and vehicles. This move will increase competition in Europe, which will drive prices of electric vehicles lower and lead to more types of electric vehicles being created.
The growing number of public electric vehicle charging stations
One of the biggest factors preventing consumers from buying electric cars is the lack of charging stations across the country. Most drivers are wary of getting stranded when taking long journeys due to low batteries. Luckily, the situation is improving, thanks to efforts by the government and the private sector. There are currently 15,000 charging stations across the UK, and Labour plans to start a £3.6 billion project that will build a nationwide network of electric vehicle charging points on motorways and urban streets. With more charging points available in convenient locations, the people’s confidence in electric cars will grow, which will boost demand as well.
Increased government support for electric vehicles
The transport industry is currently the biggest source of carbon emissions in the UK, which is why the government is in full support of the electric car revolution. The Road to Zero strategy, in particular, is a government policy that aims to ban the sale of fossil-fuelled vehicles after 2040. The government also plans to introduce new green-coloured number plates for electric cars to encourage more drivers to buy them.
The electric car industry in the UK is still young, but it is showing good signs of growing tremendously in the coming decades. With more collaboration between the government, vehicle manufacturers and consumers, we could be looking at a future where there will be zero carbon emissions from the UK transport industry.