Forecast
Period
|
2024-2028
|
Market
Size (2022)
|
663.70
Thousand Units
|
CAGR
(2023-2028)
|
25.26%
|
Fastest
Growing Segment
|
Passenger
Car
|
Largest
Market
|
England
|
United Kingdom
electric vehicles market is expected to register significantly high growth over
the forecast period. Electric vehicles, also known as EVs, are battery-powered
vehicles that run on electricity without any requirement for an internal combustion
engine, such as diesel, petrol, and hybrid vehicles. Moreover, these cars use
an electric motor and a rechargeable battery for function. On a single charge,
an electric car can travel between 180 to 360 km, while the premium models,
such as the Polestar 2 & Tesla Model S, have a range of approximately 540 km
before requiring any recharge.
Market
Drivers
The availability
and accessibility of charging infrastructure are crucial for a widespread EV uptake.
The United Kingdom has been investing heavily in expanding its charging
network, including both public charging stations and home charging solutions.
The government has set targets for the installation of thousands of rapid
charging points across the country, making it more convenient for EV owners to
charge their vehicles. Also, growing
concerns about climate change and air pollution have increased awareness about
the environmental benefits of electric vehicles. EVs produce zero tailpipe
emissions, leading to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas
emissions. Consumers and businesses are increasingly considering the
environmental impact of their transportation choices, which has boosted the
demand for electric vehicles.
Moreover,
advancements in battery technology and economies of scale in EV production have
resulted in significant cost reductions. The cost of electric vehicles has been
steadily declining, making them more affordable and competitive with
traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. As technology continues to
advance, battery range is increasing, and charging times are decreasing,
addressing concerns about range anxiety and making EVs more practical for
everyday use.
Fleet operators in the United Kingdom are recognizing the financial advantages
of switching to electric vehicles. Electric vehicles have lower operating costs
compared to petrol or diesel vehicles due to reduced maintenance requirements
and lower fuel costs.
Additionally, there
are financial incentives and grants available specifically for businesses
transitioning their fleets to electric, further driving adoption in the fleet
sector. Electric vehicles have gained a positive reputation as innovative,
technologically advanced, and environmentally friendly transportation options.
This positive perception has led to increased interest and demand among
consumers. Additionally, several automakers have committed to electrifying
their vehicle lineups, which has further boosted the reputation and
desirability of electric vehicles.
Market
Challenges
Electric vehicles have
higher upfront costs compared to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE)
vehicles. The cost of EVs is influenced by the cost of batteries, which remains
high. Battery production costs are gradually decreasing, but it will take time
for prices to reach parity with ICE vehicles. Financial incentives and
government grants, such as the plug-in car grant, can help offset the initial
cost. As economies of scale in battery production are achieved and
technological advancements continue, the cost of electric vehicles is expected
to decrease further. While the United Kingdom has been making efforts to expand
its charging infrastructure, there is still a need for further development and
expansion.
Easy accessibility
of charging stations, especially rapid charging points, is crucial for
long-distance travel and reducing range anxiety. Rural areas may have limited
charging options due to lower population density and fewer investment
incentives. Enhancing the charging infrastructure network across the country,
including motorways, public parking lots, and residential areas, is essential
to support the growing number of electric vehicles. Charging an electric
vehicle takes longer compared to refueling a conventional ICE vehicle. Even
with rapid charging options, the charging process can still take longer than
refueling with gasoline or diesel. The time required for a full charge depends
on factors, such as the charging capacity of the vehicle, the available
charging infrastructure, and the battery size. While this can be mitigated
through smart charging solutions and the availability of fast-charging
infrastructure, it remains a constraint for some consumers, particularly those
who frequently undertake long journeys.
Technological
advancements in battery charging technology, such as ultra-fast charging and
high-power chargers, are being developed to reduce charging times and improve
convenience. The second-hand market for electric vehicles is still developing,
and there may be concerns about the residual value of EVs over time. As the
technology evolves and battery warranties expire, potential buyers may be
hesitant about the long-term costs and reliability of used electric vehicles.
Improving consumer confidence in the longevity and value retention of EVs is
essential for the growth of the second-hand market. Offering attractive
warranties and maintenance packages, providing accurate information about
battery health and replacement costs, and promoting the benefits of EV
ownership can help overcome these concerns.
Electric
Vehicle Trends & Developments
The uptake of
electric vehicles in the United Kingdom has been steadily increasing. In recent
years, there has been a significant surge in EV sales, with more consumers
opting for electric vehicles over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE)
vehicles. Factors, such as government incentives, improved charging
infrastructure, and a broader range of EV models, have contributed to this
trend. The increasing sales of EVs indicate a shift in consumer preferences and
a growing acceptance of electric mobility. Fleet operators in the United
Kingdom have been increasingly transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles.
The financial benefits, such as lower operating costs and favorable taxation,
are driving this trend.
Businesses,
especially those with high mileage and predictable routes, are recognizing the
potential savings and environmental advantages of electric fleets. Large
delivery companies, taxi services, and government organizations are among those
leading the way in electrifying their fleet operations. Advances in battery
technology have significantly improved the range and performance of electric
vehicles.
The United Kingdom
market is witnessing the introduction of EVs with longer ranges and faster
charging capabilities. These technological advancements, combined with falling
battery costs, have addressed concerns about range anxiety and made electric
vehicles more practical for everyday use. High-capacity batteries and
solid-state battery technology are being researched and developed to further
enhance the driving range and charging efficiency of EVs.
Many global
automakers have announced ambitious plans to electrify their vehicle lineups,
and the United Kingdom market is witnessing the impact of these pledges.
Automakers are investing heavily in electric vehicle research and development,
introducing new models with advanced features and improved performance. This
commitment to electrification is driven by stricter emissions regulations,
consumer demand, and the need to align with sustainability goals. These efforts
are contributing to the growing availability of EV models in the United Kingdom
market.
Electric Vehicle
Developments
Ford has unveiled a
series of initiatives aimed at meeting its ambitious electric vehicle (EV)
production targets. These initiatives focus on sourcing battery capacity and
raw materials to support the production of 600,000 EVs annually by late 2023
and over 2 million by the end of 2026. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), Audi Middle East, and Siemens
have signed an agreement to collaborate on enhancing EV charging infrastructure
on federal roads. The partnership aims to increase the charging capacity and
facilitate the wider adoption of EVs across the country. This initiative
demonstrates the UAE's commitment to fostering a sustainable transportation
ecosystem. Additionally, Hyundai has recently introduced its latest fully
electric SUV, the Ioniq 5, in the UAE market. The vehicle was showcased at the
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, highlighting Hyundai's focus on expanding
its electric vehicle lineup and catering to the growing demand for EVs in the
UAE.
Overall, these developments
reflect the concerted efforts of major automotive manufacturers, government
bodies, and infrastructure providers to promote electric mobility and support
the transition toward a greener and more sustainable transportation future.
