Greater Manchester switching to EVs faster than any other UK region

The North West combined authority ranks top for for the number of residents transitioning to plug-in vehicles. 

Overall, between 2009 and 2023 Greater Manchester saw 1,045,910 new electric vehicles [EVs] hit the region’s roads. This represents around 10% of the UK total, with the borough of Stockport leading within the ten councils comprising the region, with 837,067 registrations.

Data from the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency was analysed by Howden Insurance, and also showed that Outer London ranked second, with 908,775 plug-ins. Therein, Hillingdon saw the highest number, at 908,775. West Yorkshire came third, at 625,234, with 487,774 registered in the area’s biggest city, Leeds. 

The survey comes as huge questions hang over the likelihood the UK will be ready to cope with an end to the sale of fossil fuel-powered cars in 2030, as is currently planned in legislation. Currently, there are just 61,232 charge points across the country, at 32, 697 locations, with 300,000 needed by the end of this decade to meet minimum projected demand once new internal combustion cars are no longer available to buy. 

Last week, Environment Journal published an opinion piece on ‘the beginning of the end for private vehicle ownership following news that Tesla had disbanded it Supercharger team, raising concerns about the impact of this on public engagement and further expansion of the charge network in the US, Europe and UK. 

Take a look below at the top 10 UK regions for EV registrations between 2009 and 2023.

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