EV sales in the UK predicted to see 300% growth by 2030

The UK is predicted to have the third largest electric vehicle (EV) fleet in Europe in 2030, according to new research from Compare the Market.

Based on the number of newly registered EVs from 2015 to 2021, they predict the UK will have 596,713 electric vehicles on its roads by 2030.

Germany is predicted to have the most EVs in Europe by 2030, with 1,234,056 EVs on its roads, and France comes in second at 603,299 EVs.

Both France and the UK are expected to see a percentage increase of almost 300% between 2021 and 2030, while Germany is predicted to see a rise of 266% in EVs on their roads.

The report also finds Norway is currently ‘winning’ the race to electric, with over 20% of its vehicles currently electric and 18,656 EV charging points.

The UK did not rank in the top ten for current EV use in the UK, suggesting the nation is behind its European neighbours in its EV transition.

Bulgaria saw the highest growth in EV infrastructure in the last year – with a 173.71% increase – while France saw the greatest growth of its EV and hybrid vehicle fleet, at 215.74%.

Compare the Market also analyses which models of electric vehicle are most popular in Europe, finding the Renault Zoe tops the list, with 8.6% of electric car drivers choosing it over any other vehicle.

This was followed by the Nissan Leaf at 5.9%, and the Mitsubishi Outlander at 5.8% – with Tesla Model 3 coming in fourth.

The full report can be viewed here.

In related news, environmental consultant Stephen Cirell speaks to Ralph Palmer, UK Electric Vehicles & Fleets Officer at Transport & Environment, an EU-wide organisation campaigning for greener transport.

Ralph tells Stephen about Transport & Environment’s research into the roll out of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK, and they discuss the types of charging infrastructure available and controversy around how much is needed.

Photo by Michael Fousert