Although the UK car parc hit a new high last year, the rising number of EVs meant average emissions actually dropped.
According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the number of cars on UK roads rose by 1.7% to 41,404,589 during 2023.
Meanwhile, almost half a million EVs and plug-in hybrid were registered, representing a 47% surge compared to 2022. By year’s close, 2.7% of the UK car parc was zero emission, up from 1.9% a year earlier.
As such, average CO2 emissions per car dropped by 2.1%.
In the commercial sector, the total number of heavy goods vehicles and vans rose marginally to 625,873 and 5,012,632 units, although the volumes of electric HGVs and vans spiked by 146% and 44% respectively.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “After two challenging years of constrained supply, more people and businesses across the UK are now getting back behind the wheel – and increasingly, opting for greener options. However, given the ageing fleet, we now need to encourage consumers and businesses who have deferred purchases of new cars, vans, trucks and buses to upgrade. A stronger and stable economy, coupled with reduced living costs, would boost consumer and business confidence, while compelling fiscal incentives would ensure that these purchases are emissions free. Not only would this accelerate the transition – fundamental to the UK’s net zero ambitions – but it would also stimulate the economy and enhance the wider environment in which we all live.”
