HALF-A-MILLION: Ultra low emission vehicle landmark hit as drive towards cleaner cars gathers pace
The UK is accelerating quicker than ever towards a greener transport future, as stats released today reveal that over half-a-million ultra low emission vehicles are now being driven on roads across the country.
This comes as statistics from the SMMT show that 13.6% of new cars sold in the last four months had a plug, with ultra low emission cars accounting for more than 1 in 10 sales last year, up from 1 in 30 the year before.
The UK is seen to be at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, with the Government committing to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and to ensure all new cars and vans will be zero-emissions at the tailpipe by 2035.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “As hosts of COP26 we want to drive decarbonisation on the global stage, which is why we’re going further and faster to make the journeys of our future as clean as possible.
“With news that the half-a-million milestone has now been met, together with the UK now having the second largest EV market in Europe, it’s clear that the shift to green motoring is accelerating at speed.”
The Government has pledged a £2.8billion package of measures to support industry and drivers to make the switch to cleaner vehicles. This will help meet climate change obligations, improve air quality in towns and cities and support economic growth, with vehicles built in the UK.
The Government has committed to provide £1.3billion over the next four years - from the wider supportive package - to encourage the continued roll-out of chargepoints on motorways and major A roads, in homes and businesses and on-street.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: “The automotive sector is transforming the way we drive, investing billions in ever-greener and cleaner vehicles across the range, with one in four available models now capable of being ‘plugged in’.
“Over half a million people are already convinced by the incredible driving experience, and we hope millions more will make the switch as Britain strives to become the best place to build, buy and drive electric vehicles.”
