Umair Gaines
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. In 2024, 381,970 electric vehicles were sold, accounting for 19.6% of new car registrations. This figure has been steadily rising over the years, with 314,684 electric cars sold in 2023, 267,203 in 2022, and 205,770 on the road at the end of 2020. As of December 2024, there were more than 1,360,000 battery-electric vehicles in the UK, making up slightly over 4% of the 34 million cars on UK roads. The UK government is on track to meet its target of 300,000 public EV charging points by 2030, with a total of 73,699 public charging points installed by the end of 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of vehicles in the UK | 41.4 million |
| Number of electric vehicles in the UK | 1.145 million (June 2024); 1.4 million (February 2025) |
| Percentage of electric vehicles in the UK | 4.15% (February 2025) |
| Number of electric vehicles sold in 2023 | 315,000 |
| Number of electric vehicles sold in 2025 (up to February) | 50,878 |
| Percentage of new cars sold in February 2025 that were electric | 22.8% |
| Number of electric vans sold in 2024 | 20,500 |
| Number of electric vans sold in 2025 (up to February) | 1,253 |
| Number of public charging points in the UK | 64,600-64,775 (July 2024) |
| Number of charging locations in the UK | 33,829 (June 2024) |
| Number of petrol stations in the UK | 8,381 (June 2024) |
| Most popular electric vehicle in the UK | Tesla Y model |
| Number of Teslay Y model vehicles registered (July-September 2023) | 8,626 |
| Number of new petrol and diesel cars sold in the UK after 2030 | 0 |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric vehicles (EVs) will be the only new cars sold in the UK after 2030
- There were over 1,145,000 fully electric cars in the UK as of June 2024
- The number of electric vehicles is rising, with nearly 315,000 registered in 2023
- There are more than four times the number of charging locations than petrol stations
- If all UK vehicles were electric, we could save 2.2 billion tonnes of CO2e
Electric vehicles (EVs) will be the only new cars sold in the UK after 2030
The benefits of electric vehicles are significant. Firstly, they offer lower running costs than traditional petrol or diesel cars. The average driver in the UK emits up to 3.7 tonnes of CO2 annually, but switching to an EV charged with 100% green energy can eliminate this environmental impact. With 41.4 million vehicles in the UK, a complete transition to EVs could save around 2.2 billion tonnes of CO2 over the vehicles' lifetimes. Additionally, EVs provide a more relaxed driving experience and contribute to reducing local pollution.
While there are concerns about the driving range and access to charging stations, the UK is actively addressing these challenges. As of July 2024, there were over 64,000 public charging devices available, with a 46% increase in the number of public chargers in the past year. This rapid growth ensures that EV drivers can easily add range and continue their journeys. The accessibility of charging stations is also improving, with destination chargers available at the end of a driver's journey in locations such as car parks and leisure places.
The transition to electric vehicles is being driven by fleet buyers, with tax incentives making EVs an attractive option. However, it's important to note that demand among private buyers has been declining. Nonetheless, with the increasing availability of charging infrastructure and the environmental and economic benefits of EVs, it is expected that more consumers will make the switch to electric vehicles in the coming years, ensuring that the UK meets its target of only selling new electric cars after 2030.
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There were over 1,145,000 fully electric cars in the UK as of June 2024
Electric vehicles (EVs) have been growing in popularity in the UK, with record sales in 2024. In June 2024, there were over 1,145,000 fully electric cars in the UK. This number is likely to have been higher by the end of the year, with 381,970 new fully electric cars sold in the whole of 2024. This is a substantial increase from 2021, when there were 744,823 fully electric cars on UK roads.
In 2024, electric cars accounted for around a fifth (19.6%) of all new car sales in the UK. This is a notable increase from 2023, when electric cars made up 16.5% of the market. Electric car sales have been steadily increasing, with almost 14 million new EVs registered globally in 2023, and sales in 2024 projected to reach around 17 million.
The UK's electric car market has been experiencing strong growth, with the number of electric cars on UK roads more than tripling between 2021 and February 2025. This growth is driven by several factors, including environmental consciousness, lower running costs, and government incentives. In 2024, electric cars were more affordable than ever, with 1 in 5 BEV models retailing for less than the average petrol or diesel car.
The UK government has set ambitious targets for electric vehicle adoption. By 2030, it is estimated that 80% of all cars and 70% of vans sold in Great Britain will be zero-emission vehicles, increasing to 100% by 2035. To encourage the transition to electric vehicles, the sale of new cars and vans powered by petrol and diesel engines will be banned from 2030, along with hybrid car sales.
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The number of electric vehicles is rising, with nearly 315,000 registered in 2023
The number of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK is increasing, with nearly 315,000 battery-electric cars registered in 2023, an 18% growth from 2022. This growth is largely driven by fleet buyers due to tax incentives, but private buyer demand is declining. Despite this, the overall demand for EVs is expected to increase as consumers become more aware of the benefits of owning an EV, such as lower running costs, a relaxed driving experience, and reduced local pollution.
The UK government is also playing a role in encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles. From 2030, new petrol and diesel cars will no longer be sold in the UK. Additionally, there is a legal requirement for vehicle manufacturers to sell a certain proportion of new pure electric cars, starting with 22% of all new sales in 2024, gradually increasing until 2035. These measures are crucial in reducing carbon emissions, as road traffic in the UK released around 99.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in the past year.
The infrastructure supporting EVs is also expanding. As of July 2024, there were 64,600 public charging devices available in the UK, a 29% increase in destination chargers compared to on-street chargers. The number of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers has also increased by almost 46% since June 2023, addressing consumer concerns about access to charging infrastructure.
By February 2025, the number of fully electric cars in the UK had surpassed 1,400,000, representing around 4.15% of the approximately 34 million cars on UK roads. This is a significant increase from the end of 2021, when there were 396,945 electric cars, accounting for 1.2% of all cars on the road. The market share of electric vehicles is also growing, with 33.9% of new car registrations in February 2025 being either fully electric or plug-in hybrids.
The shift towards electric vehicles is evident, and with improvements in technology, infrastructure, and consumer awareness, the number of electric vehicles on UK roads is expected to continue rising.
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There are more than four times the number of charging locations than petrol stations
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly common in the UK. As of the end of June 2024, there were more than 1,145,000 fully electric cars on UK roads, and nearly 315,000 battery-electric cars were registered in 2023. This number is expected to grow as more consumers become aware of the benefits of owning an EV, such as lower running costs, a more relaxed driving experience, and reduced local pollution.
To support this transition, the UK has been rapidly expanding its network of EV charging stations. As of June 2024, there were 64,775 public electric vehicle charging points across the UK, spread across 33,829 charging locations. This represents a 46% increase in the number of public chargers compared to the previous year. Notably, this figure of 33,829 charging locations is more than four times the number of petrol stations, of which there are now only 8,381 across the country.
The growth in EV charging infrastructure is being driven by both the public and private sectors, with investments aimed at ensuring that there are sufficient charging points to support the growing electric vehicle fleet. This expansion is particularly evident in London, where Transport for London has activated more than 1,000 EV charging points in the past year, while the number of fuel stations within the Congestion Charge zone has dwindled to just four.
While the increasing number of charging locations is encouraging, some challenges remain. For instance, charging speed is a concern, as most chargers use alternating current, which is typically slower than the direct current used by vehicles. Additionally, restricted accessibility at some charging locations limits the hours during which drivers can recharge their vehicles. Nevertheless, the UK government remains committed to supporting EV adoption, with proposals for installing charging points in all new housing developments and pledging £2.5 million to provide more charging facilities in residential areas.
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If all UK vehicles were electric, we could save 2.2 billion tonnes of CO2e
Electric vehicles (EVs) are here to stay, with the UK government planning to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. As of June 2024, there were more than 1,145,000 fully electric cars on UK roads, with nearly 315,000 battery-electric cars registered in 2023, an 18% increase on 2022. This growth is largely driven by fleet buyers, with demand among private buyers in decline.
The UK currently has over 64,000 public electric vehicle charging points, with more than 12,000 of these being rapid or ultra-rapid chargers. This number has increased by almost 46% since June 2023, and there are now more than four times as many charging locations as there are petrol stations.
If all vehicles in the UK were electric, we could save around 2.2 billion tonnes of CO2e over the course of those vehicles' lifetimes. This is because electric vehicles emit, on average, three times less CO2 than equivalent petrol or diesel cars. In the best-case scenario, an electric car with a battery produced in Sweden and driven in Sweden can emit 83% less CO2 than a petrol car. Even with the upfront 'carbon cost' of manufacturing the battery, smaller EVs with modest battery sizes are better for the environment.
The switch to electric vehicles would also cause an increase in carbon emissions from power stations of around 2% of total national emissions. However, this increase is far outweighed by the reduction in driving emissions, resulting in a net decrease of 42 million tonnes of CO2 in the UK each year, or a 12% reduction.
In addition to reducing emissions, electric vehicles would also reduce air pollution, particularly in cities, and could promote the development of renewable energy sources.
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Frequently asked questions
As of the end of February 2025, around 4.15% of the roughly 34 million cars on UK roads are fully electric. This amounts to over 1,400,000 cars.
As of the end of June 2024, there were more than 1,145,000 fully electric cars in the UK. Nearly 315,000 battery-electric cars were registered in 2023, an 18% increase from 2022.
The UK government has set a legal requirement for vehicle manufacturers to sell a certain proportion of new pure electric cars. This starts with 22% of all new sales in 2024, increasing in the run-up to 2035. Manufacturers that don't meet these quotas will face fines.
Electric vehicles (EVs) offer lower running costs, a relaxed driving experience, and less local pollution. They also have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions. If all vehicles in the UK were electric, the country could save around 2.2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) over the vehicles' lifetimes.
