A record number of 1.3 million electric cars are on UK roads, up 38.9 per cent year on year. This has led to the average car fleet CO2 emissions decreasing by -1.6 per cent as more EV choices and lower-emission hybrids replace older units.
This data comes from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), who have revealed that the number of vehicles on British roads reached its highest ever level in 2024. This reflects the growth in the new car market, which in 2024 saw almost two million new cars registered, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) making up 19.6 of the market.
3.7 per cent of cars on UK roads in 2024 were BEV, four per cent were hybrid-electric, and two per cent cent were plug in hybrid. This means that one in 20 vehicles in use are electric or hybrid, equating to 2,157,360 vehicles in use.
Manufacturing discounting has driven up demand for battery electric cars which saw them remain the fastest growing sector, with their use upping a full percentage point from 2023 (2.7 per cent to 3.7 per cent).
For van, bus, and HGV powertrains, diesel remained the dominant fuel, though low-carbon alternatives were on the rise, particularly for buses. 24.2 per cent of buses were hybrid-electric, with 4.9 per cent fully battery electric.
Almost six in ten EVs are registered to companies, compared with companies accounting for just ten per cent of the overall car park.
