Drivers in Britain have seen their choice of battery electric vehicle models quadruple in the past five years as manufacturers commit to fulfilling the UK’s ambition of being the first major zero-emissions car market.
There are now around 80 ‘electric choices’ available in every vehicle segment – compared to just 21 in 2018 – from very small urban commuters to multi-purpose people carriers, and everything in between. As a result, nearly one in four models is available as a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
The wide range of options has inspired more than three-quarters of a million drivers to make the switch, with new electric vehicle registrations up by more than a quarter (25.6%) from this time last year. The electric vehicles are marketed and built in Britain, with the selection available in showrooms today as a result of long-term commitments, and delivered despite the daunting global economic challenges of the past three years.
On top of the huge number of BEV models available, drivers looking to reduce carbon on the go can also choose from 94 hybrid (PHEV) and 42 hybrid (HEV) models – meaning electrified vehicles make up nearly two-thirds of all models available.
Those who go all-electric can also do so with more confidence. As technology continues to evolve, the range of batteries has expanded. The average distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge is now 236 miles, while for new models that first come to market in 2023, it’s close to 300 miles — about three times the average mileage per week. Also available with ranges of over 450 miles.
Other vehicles are making the switch too, and helping Britain decarbonize its transport. There are now 23 models of electric vans, 14 models of zero-emissions electric or hydrogen-powered buses and even 20 models of electric vans now available in the UK as the country heads towards 2035, which will see the end of all non-zero cars being sold from Vehicles with emissions weighing less than 26 tons.
To ensure that all drivers can benefit from the switch, no matter where they live, the huge choice of cars must be matched by a range of reliable and affordable charging options, especially for those without access to home charging. The UK government has already committed more than £2 billion to increase the provision of public charging points. However, binding targets in the charging point rollout, in line with targets for vehicle sales to be set by the Zero Emission Vehicles Mandate, should accelerate infrastructure growth and inspire more to electrify.
And just as important will be making going electrified more equitable. This can be supported by the introduction of a fair and forward-looking vehicle tax levy system, a fiscal framework that supports company drivers and other incentives for private buyers, and not least, by making it fair for all – reducing VAT at public charging points so that it is Same charging at home.
Mike Howes, CEO of SMMT, said: “British drivers are benefiting from the huge investment made by manufacturers over many years to provide an electric vehicle option for every need. We now need a framework that will ensure that everyone benefits from zero mobility. These vehicles do indeed offer a great driving experience but motorists should have lower running costs, no matter where they live or work, with fair taxation that inspires rather than hinders them. With infrastructure provision accelerated ahead of need, the UK can have a healthy and vibrant market, with more model options to maintain the UK as the global leader in zero-sum transport.”