As we start 2024, the expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) and the subsequent development of the technology used to manufacture them looks set to, once again, be the biggest trend in the automotive industry.
Whether you drive one or not, motorists everywhere can’t help but notice more and more EVs on British roads, with more than 975,000 estimated to have been present at the end of 2023. This number only looks set to increase further in the coming year, as consumers seek to reduce their own carbon emissions while also preparing for the nation’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles that comes into force in 2035.
Here at The Windscreen Company, we’re helping drivers prepare for the ban by providing a whole host of articles that are packed with information about electric vehicles.
From information outlining how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle to explaining whether Google Maps shows EV charging stations, we’ll ensure you have everything you need to know.
In this article, we’re turning our attention to what the EV market looks like in 2024, providing you with information on the vehicles themselves and the infrastructure currently available.
When calculating how many EVs are currently in the UK, it’s worth noting that there are different types of electric cars.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are the most conventional and therefore the best option for the environment. These types are solely powered by an electric motor and are charged via an external power source. As such, they have no tailpipe and therefore release no harmful emissions. As mentioned above, at the end of 2023 it was estimated that there were around 975,000 of these vehicles on the UK’s roads.
As well as these fully electric vehicles, you can also find plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These vehicles are equipped with a petrol or diesel engine in addition to their electric battery. They can be used via either power source but only offer ‘zero emissions’ when driven in the ‘electric only’ mode. Therefore, they’re evidently not as environmentally friendly as fully electric vehicles. In terms of PHEVs, there are around 596,000 on UK roads as of the end of 2023.
Historically, EVs have struggled when up against other vehicle types, but since 2020 new registrations for electric cars have steadily increased.
In 2023, 314,684 BEVs were registered and there were 141,311 PHEVs, bringing the total to around 450,000 when combining the two. These were the highest numbers ever for both types and it will be interesting to see if the trend continues into 2024.
In addition to the number of EVs on the roads, the amount of public charging points has also increased rapidly since 2015 when the first ones were installed.
Back then, there were only around 2,000 of any type available in the UK, meaning most people had to charge their EVs at home as the infrastructure was not yet ready to meet the need.
There are two types of EV chargers you will find at public charging stations. These are rapid and non-rapid devices.
Rapid, or ultra-rapid, chargers will charge an EV battery at a faster rate, but non-rapid devices tend to be more efficient and will help the battery to maintain its charge for longer.
As of June 2023, there were 35,559 non-rapid chargers and 8,461 rapid or ultra-rapid chargers.
While this number is clearly far better than it used to be, the infrastructure still has a long way to go. In fact, the government missed its previous target that stated that four in ten motorway service stations in the UK should have had six or more rapid chargers by the end of 2023. This is not the case with only 46 out of the 119 motorway stations meeting this target.
As EVs become more and more popular in the UK, you can rest assured that the team here at The Windscreen Company will be by your side to guide you through all of the developments. You can find more content on this topic on our Road to 2035 page.
The Windscreen Company provides leading windscreen services to customers across the West Midlands and South East no matter what type of car you drive. This includes an electric and hybrid car windscreen repair and replacement service or a windscreen repair and replacement for your petrol or diesel car. We also provide car windscreen calibration (ADAS) if required. Check our complete guide to ADAS here. For more information, get in touch with our team today.
The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.
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