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”.

Parking & Access Control

Related Content

  • August 25, 2020
    TfL launches app to aid social distancing
    App provides accessibility information for disabled users, TfL says. 
    Read More
  • February 11, 2015
    Report: wireless technologies leave vehicles exposed to hackers
    New standards are needed to plug security and privacy gaps in cars and trucks, according to a report by US Senator Edward J. Markey. The report, Tracking & Hacking: Security & Privacy Gaps Put American Drivers at Risk and first reported on by CBS News’ 60 Minutes, reveals how sixteen major automobile manufacturers responded to questions from Markey in 2014 about how vehicles may be vulnerable to hackers, and how driver information is collected and protected. The responses from the automobile manufacturer
    Read More
  • November 4, 2019
    Horiba urges electric retrofits for bus fleets
    Horiba Mira is urging bus manufacturers and operators to consider converting existing buses with electric powertrain technology to help the UK achieve a cleaner public transportation network. Horiba’s global electrification services leader Greg Harris says: “While the onus to date has mainly been on bringing new electrical buses to market, not to be overlooked is the major role retrofitting existing buses to e-buses can play in the UK’s all-electric bus towns pilot, and in meeting the EU’s clean vehicles d
    Read More
  • June 25, 2018
    Two wheels good
    As cycling becomes an increasingly popular method for commuting and recreation, what moves are afoot to keep the growing numbers of cyclists safe on ever-more-busy roads? Alan Dron puts on his helmet and pedals off to look. It would have seemed incredible just a decade ago, but cycling in London has become almost unfeasibly popular. The Transport for London (TfL) June 2017 Strategic Cycling Analysis document noted there were now 670,000 cycle trips a day in the UK capital, an increase of 130% since 2000.
    Read More

Highlighted Content