Skip to main content

London EV demand ‘rising’ since ULEZ intro, says Carwow

Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has increased 123% in London since the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), says Carwow. Using data from its website, the car-buying platform found that searches for EVs also increased 56% in the rest of the UK Enquiries for alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) increased 77% in the UK capital and 44% in the rest of the country. Carwow says there has been a 56% year on year increase in searches for hybrid vehicles since May 2018, with a further 92% incre
June 19, 2019 Read time: 2 mins

Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has increased 123% in London since the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), says Carwow.

Using data from its website, the car-buying platform found that searches for EVs also increased 56% in the rest of the UK

Enquiries for alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) increased 77% in the UK capital and 44% in the rest of the country.

Carwow says there has been a 56% year on year increase in searches for hybrid vehicles since May 2018, with a further 92% increase in EV quotes on its website.

Since the start of 2019, the most searched for AFV has been the 1686 Toyota RAV4 hybrid vehicle, followed by the Toyota C-HR Hybrid model and the 838 Nissan Leaf electric car.

According to a poll carried out by ULEV, six out of ten Brits are aware of ULEVs. Nearly 70% of people agree that the zone is a good measure while more than a quarter remain unsure and 4% do not agree

Despite 90% of Londoners saying they are environmentally conscious, less than a third are planning to purchase an AFV in the near future, followed by just 18% of those living in the rest of the UK.  

Mat Watson, editorial director at Carwow, says: “Whilst British people consider themselves environmentally conscious in principle, it’s the personal financial impact of the fines that is proving a key driver for changing their minds.”

Watson warns there is a difference between intention to buy and buying, insisting that more needs to be done to reassure drivers that EVs are “the right environmental choice” and have the same capability as a “petrol and diesel cars”.

Related Content

  • April 28, 2020
    90,000 e-truck charge points needed, says Scania boss
    European auto group calls for massive increase in charging points for electric trucks.
  • April 30, 2019
    Connected Kerb installs charging infrastructure for EVs in London
    Connected Kerb has launched its public kerbside charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EV) in the London borough of Southwark. The project, which is set for a city-wide rollout, stems from an agreement with Southwark Council and electricity infrastructure provider National Grid. The fibre broadband and wireless kerbsides, powered by Virgin Media, offer internet connectivity to EV drivers. Also, the solution provides environmental and traffic monitoring data for public authorities. Richard Li
  • November 17, 2014
    Air quality tops transportation agendas
    Colin Sowman catches up on some of the latest research around outdoor pollution and looks at options available to authorities in areas of poor air quality. Iair quality hasn’t already reached the top of the agenda in transportation department meetings in your area, it probably soon will with national, trans-national and even global bodies calling for authorities to reduce pollution levels.
  • August 1, 2023
    Transportation’s electrifying future
    Climbing out of our silos will be vital to create the frameworks and networks needed to decarbonise transport, if we are serious about mitigating climate change, says Colin Sowman