Number of petrol cars on British roads rose to 18.7m this year, but decrease expected amid growth of EVs
The number of petrol cars on British roads has peaked this year but is set to tumble by more than 40% over the next decade, according to a report.
Auto Trader’s latest motoring forecast estimates there were 18.7m petrol-powered cars on the roads this year, but that this will steadily decrease from 2025 to 11.1m by 2034.
The online vehicle platform expects a “seismic shift” towards electric vehicles (EV) in the next 10 years as affordability improves, from 1.25m in 2024 to 13.7m. The EV share of the new car market will rise from about 18% to 23% in 2025, according to Auto Trader.
This is still far below the 28% target for sales under the UK government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Under the current rules, this requires 22% of all new car sales to be battery-electric vehicles in 2024, with the target rising each year to 80% by 2030 and 100% in 2035.
Carmakers and retailers have expressed fears the mandate is putting jobs at risk at UK vehicle factories and piling pressure on manufacturers, with demand for EVs flagging due to their high costs.
Concerns have also been raised over a lack of charging infrastructure across the country to support the transition to electric vehicles.
Last week, Vauxhall owner Stellantis announced the closure of its van-making factory in Luton, putting 1,100 jobs at risk, and said the decision was made within the context of the “stringent” UK zero-emission vehicle mandate.
Read more: TheGuardian
