Jun 15, 2022
2 Minutes

The UK is currently ahead of the curve to meet its EV targets – but for how long?

The UK is currently AHEAD of the required adoption curve to meet the Government’s 2032 EV target, according to our data insights team.

Over the past decade, sales of electric cars (battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids) have been modest, but momentum has surged from around 2016 – and has further accelerated since the turn of the current decade, with 2021 delivering a significant step change.

According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), sales of EVs over the past year outstripped volume levels for the past five years combined.

And as an illustration of 2021’s surge in EV adoption, sales of battery electric cars increased by 154% versus the total car market increase of 23%.

When assessed in the context of the required sales levels as outlined on the Climate Change Committee adoption curve for 2032, it highlights that the UK was over 60,000 vehicles ahead of the curve at that point.

By way of overall market perspective, the figures demonstrate that the volume of electric cars on UK roads currently account for 2.6% of all passenger cars (460,000 BEVs and 384,000 PHEVs against approximately 32 million cars in total).

Are there any obstacles in the road ahead?

Whilst the strong sales performance of EVs during 2021 was notable – with the upwards trend also continuing through the early stages of Q1 2022 – it must be acknowledged that emerging social and economic challenges could impact the burgeoning EV market, particularly in the short term.

A combination of cost-of-living pressures, tax rises, escalating energy costs, and global market uncertainty, is denting consumer sentiment and affecting behaviour.

The result of this changing scenario for many is that larger discretionary purchases such as a new car may be delayed or even cancelled. The cost-of-living squeeze will likely mean some potential EV purchasers may not commit to a switch this year, particularly as such vehicles are perceived to be more expensive in relative terms when compared to combustion engine alternatives.

Of course, conversely, the impact of the hike in petrol and diesel prices at the forecourts cannot be discounted. The experience at the pumps may well persuade consumers that the adoption of an EV solution sooner rather than later is in their best long-term financial interest.

What do the experts say?

Our CEO Mike Todd explained that the conversation around green travel really has the nation talking, but has also sparked a gearshift in people’s lifestyle choices.

He said: “Our insights highlight the positive momentum that has, in recent years, seen increasing numbers of drivers switch from combustion engine vehicles to embrace greener, more sustainable transport.

“The startling sales performance witnessed in 2021 is a recognition that for many an EV is the way to go. This has resulted in the UK tracking 60,000 vehicles ahead of the necessary adoption curve timescale to meet the Climate Change Committee’s target of 55% of all light duty vehicles being battery powered in ten years’ time. This is a vital component of the nation’s net zero ambition.”

For more information on electric vehicles, visit our dedicated EV hub here.