Zero emission cars up 18% in 2023 – The AA
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Last year more than 314,000 new cars were registered with zero
tailpipe emissions, an increase of 18% according to the Vehicle
Licensing Statistics released today by the Department for
Transport*. As a share of all newly registered cars in 2023, those
emitting nothing at the tailpipe came in at 16%. With the Zero
Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate challenging manufacturers to sell at
least 20% of their new cars with zero emissions, the outlook for EV
sales looks positive and could...Request free trial
Last year more than 314,000 new cars were registered with zero tailpipe emissions, an increase of 18% according to the Vehicle Licensing Statistics released today by the Department for Transport*. As a share of all newly registered cars in 2023, those emitting nothing at the tailpipe came in at 16%. With the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate challenging manufacturers to sell at least 20% of their new cars with zero emissions, the outlook for EV sales looks positive and could set a new record in 2024. As part of it's Motoring Manifesto**, The AA is calling on the Government to help achieve the ZEV Mandate target by calling for incentives to help people swap out of gross polluting cars. Options such as an interest free loan or scrapping VAT on new EV sales would help support lower income households take part in the transition to electric cars. The data released today also shows that the number of privately-owned diesel cars in London tumbled by 20.3% last year, with those in outer London down by 23.7%***. Across the UK, the number of privately-owned diesel cars was down by 3.2%. However, the impact on the total car population in the capital was much less dramatic. While the total number of privately-owned cars increased across the UK, those in London fell by 1.6%. The worst hit was inner London with a 1.8% reduction. Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said; “These latest figures show that the appetite for electric and zero emission vehicles is there, but it is predominantly being led by those who are in company car schemes, or their employer offers a salary sacrifice scheme. “If strong incentives on EVs can be made, then the ZEV mandate will be smashed. Manufacturers producing good offers as well as Government support, such as scrapping VAT on new EV sales, will help those with lower incomes play their part in the switch to zero emission driving. “The demonisation of diesel vehicles in London, through measures like the Ultra Low Emission Zone and ramped-up parking charges, have slashed their numbers by more than a fifth. However, although there has been a decline in diesel vehicles across the UK, its superior fuel-efficiency ensures it is far from dead. “Numbers of private cars in London are also falling, with those in the capital falling fastest in inner London. That in large part will be down to councils pushing up ownership costs through higher parking permit charges and other restrictions. Those car owners hardest hit will be in lower-income groups whose access to personal transport is now being squeezed.” ends NOTES TO EDITORS * Vehicle licensing statistics: 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) ** AA Motoring Manifesto 2024 | AA (theaa.com) ***
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