The year 2022 proved to be a game-changer in the world of electric vehicles (EVs). With 37,000 public EV charging points, a new record has been set in the UK. According to the latest report, an additional 8,700 charging points were installed last year alone, highlighting the rapid shift towards sustainable transportation.
The rise of EVs and the fall of diesel-powered vehicles have been well-documented and researched in recent years. The new report bears testimony to the trend. But what do these numbers mean, and what implications do they carry for the future of our transport industry?
The Volkswagen Scandal and the Shift Towards Electric Vehicles
The Volkswagen scandal, also known as Dieselgate, catalysed change in the automotive industry. In 2015, it was revealed that Volkswagen had installed software in its diesel vehicles to cheat emissions tests. This led to widespread outrage, calls for stricter regulations on vehicle emissions, and demands to hold manufacturers accountable for diesel claims.
The scandal helped raise awareness of the effects of diesel emissions on the environment and human health, prompting many consumers to look for alternative transportation methods. This sparked a surge in demand for EVs, which has continued to grow in recent years.
Diesel Cars on the Decline
The increase in public EV charging points can be attributed to the government’s plan to phase out all new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. This move is part of the UK’s long-term plan to reduce air pollution, cut carbon emissions, and meet climate targets.
Diesel emissions have been linked to a range of health problems, including asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified diesel exhaust as a carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer in humans. In the UK, air pollution is responsible for an estimated 40,000 premature deaths each year. Diesel vehicles are a significant contributor to this problem. Visit https://www.emissions.co.uk to get more insights about this issue.
The UK Government’s plan is working as diesel car sales have declined rapidly over the last few years. In 2019, 583,488 diesel cars were sold compared to around 37,850 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). However, in 2022, diesel car sales plummeted to 83,000, while the sale of BEVs hit 267,203, almost quadrupling the sales compared to 2019.
The industry has seen a similar trend in the UK, where diesel cars held roughly 22% of the market share in 2022 compared to EVs, which held around 16%. It’s important to note that these numbers reflect the sales of new vehicles. However, the declining sales of new diesel cars paint a clear picture of the direction the industry is moving in.
More EV Chargers to Be Installed
The UK government has committed to establishing 300,000 easily accessible charging stations by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with the planned ban on new petrol or diesel cars. To meet this target, a 30% year-on-year growth in charger installations will be necessary, meaning installations will need to double to 19,000 by 2025 and continue to accelerate.
Despite the significant challenge, experts in the industry view the 300,000 target as achievable. Ben Nelmes, CEO of New Automotive, states that charger companies have ample investment but may face obstacles due to slow action from local authorities. Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, shares that progress has been made but emphasises the need for further action. He anticipates a substantial increase in charger numbers in 2023 but highlights that much more work is required to ensure the country is ready for the EV transition by 2030.
The Future of Transportation
The rise of EVs and the decline of diesel vehicles is the beginning of a more significant shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. The UK government has set a target of banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, which will help accelerate the transition to electric cars. The shift towards EVs also presents opportunities for new businesses in the charging infrastructure and battery recycling sectors. According to a report by McKinsey, global revenues are projected to surpass $95 billion annually by 2040.
However, there are still challenges to overcome. The infrastructure for EVs needs to continue to improve, and the cost of EVs needs to become more affordable for consumers. Additionally, there are concerns about the environmental impact of EV batteries and the need to develop more sustainable battery technologies.
The future of transportation appears promising, even in the face of these challenges. The record number of public EV chargers installed in 2022 clearly shows progress. Electric vehicles will become an increasingly viable and attractive consumer option with continued investment and innovation. In conclusion, the shift towards electric vehicles is well underway, and with the continued growth of infrastructure and better technology, it won’t be long before diesel is a distant memory for good.