Has the era of electric cars stalled?

With zero tailpipe emissions, greater efficiency and less dependence on fossil fuels, electric cars are a big part of the UK’s goal to reach net zero by 2050. In fact, the current government is planning to reinstate the target for all new car sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2030, starting the end of petrol and diesel models being used on the road.

However, car manufacturers are struggling to hit government target markers which is causing many to wonder if the era of electric cars has stalled. Unless private retail demand in EVs increases more rapidly, the industry could threaten the country’s climate change aims.

How many EVs have been sold so far?

The UK celebrated the sale of its millionth EV earlier this year and zero-emission cars are estimated to be over 18% of all new vehicle sales in 2024. However, this still puts the UK well behind its 22% target, and a considerable upswing in interest will be needed to meet the now-ambitious 28% goal for 2025. 

Why are EV sales down on targets?

With the cost of living crisis squeezing spending, many have been deterred by the higher price of electric vehicles. Our rising home energy bills have also made the idea of charging unappealing to some – although it’s worth mentioning that this is still cheaper than refuelling at the pump.

Those who regularly drive long distances often state range anxiety as their reason for not investing in an EV. Concern that they cannot complete their journey comfortably on one charge and doubts about the reliability of charging infrastructure across the country make the move seem too high-risk. Although EV battery capabilities are fast improving – many models can now take you from London to Glasgow with power to spare – these practical problems need to be addressed as soon as possible to get buyers on board.

What are the UK car-buying trends?

Affordable, widely reliable and more eco-friendly than buying a brand-new vehicle, used cars have been gaining popularity this year, up by around 5% compared to 2023 despite a drop in models on the market. Interestingly, used battery electric vehicles made up almost a third of the market share in Q2 sales.

Hybrid cars – often seen as a best-of-both-worlds option – are also ever-desirable. The sale of plug-in hybrids has surpassed 125,000 units this year.

Future predictions for EV sales

While government targets remain ambitious, there is an unquestionable consumer shift towards sustainability which should drive EV sales up to 2030. As infrastructure is improved and technology advances to make zero-emissions cars more efficient and cost-effective, EV sales are predicted to soar and dominate the market.