Electric Vehicles Gain Ground in UK Car Market

A significant shift in the UK's car market has been observed, with electric vehicles (EVs) accounting for 5.3% of all car mileage, despite comprising just 3.8% of the national car fleet. According to data from the RAC Foundation, new electric cars are being driven an average of 10,054 miles, outpacing petrol and diesel cars in the same age category. This trend indicates a shift towards electric vehicles as a practical and cost-effective alternative, driven by attractive tax breaks and improved range.

Key Takeaways:

• Electric vehicles accounted for 5.3% of all car mileage in the UK, despite making up only 3.8% of the national car fleet.
• New electric cars are being driven an average of 10,054 miles, surpassing petrol and diesel cars in the same age category.
• The average mileage for petrol cars under three years old was 7,585 miles, while diesel cars averaged 10,728 miles.
• The shift towards electric vehicles is driven by attractive tax breaks, improved range, and growing acceptance as a practical alternative.
• Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular for work-related use, with the RAC Foundation suggesting they are being seen as workhorses.
• The UK government has announced grants of up to £3,750 for drivers buying new electric cars.

Statistics:

• 5.3% of all car mileage in the UK is attributed to electric vehicles.
• Electric vehicles comprise 3.8% of the national car fleet.
• New electric cars are being driven an average of 10,054 miles.
• Petrol cars under three years old averaged 7,585 miles.
• Diesel cars under three years old averaged 10,728 miles.
• The UK government offers grants of up to £3,750 for drivers buying new electric cars.

Sources:

• RAC Foundation
• PA Archive (Danny Lawson)
• Government announcement on electric vehicle grants