UK Plug-In Car Registrations Rise As Renewable Energy Generation Reaches New High

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2017 is showing notable environmental improvements percolating in the UK, with record highs of plug-in car sales as well as renewable energy generation records.

So far this year, 22,480 plug-in cars have been registered in the UK, which means that EV buyers registered more electric and plug-in hybrid cars during the first half of 2017 than in any previous 6 month period. A press release from Go Ultra Low adds that this is a rise of 14% compared to the first half of 2016 and 54% higher than in the same period in 2015.

“The fully-electric Nissan LEAF was the UK’s best selling plug-in car in the first six months of 2017, while BMW’s plug-in hybrid 3-Series saloon was one of the year’s biggest growers, rising 79.9% following its launch last year.”

Renewable energy is becoming more and more common in the UK at the same time as solar and wind prices keep dropping. Corporations, homeowners, and even in some cases renters are switching their power sources to renewable choices.

When you finally test drive a smooth, quiet, fuel-efficient, clean electric vehicle, you change. That inspires a purchase, and can also inspire more home energy efficiency and going solar. So, electric cars help in multiple ways.

Back to the sales figures, Go Ultra Low reports, “June exceeded all previous non-plate-change months with 4,405 new plug-in models sold during the month (33% up on June 2016). Demand from private buyers has driven growth with 44.9% more consumers opting for plug-in hybrid and electric power between January and June 2017, compared to the same period last year.”

A breakdown of plug-in registrations across the country is as follows: “The West Midlands (2,704) Greater London (2,477) and Cambridgeshire (1,928) topped the list of regions with the highest uptake. Greater London also saw the biggest year on year increase in counties registering more than 1,000 plug-in vehicles, with registrations up 68.6% on the first half of 2016.”

Transport Minister Jesse Norman, said: “It is great to see that electric and plug-in hybrid cars are helping more UK motorists to cut fuel costs and emissions. The total number of plug-in cars on our roads is at record levels, with the latest figures showing that there are now over 100,000 plug-in cars and vans registered in the UK.

“The UK is a world leader in tackling climate change and the Government is committed to supporting the transition to a low carbon economy and improving air quality. Our aim is that nearly all cars and vans on our roads are zero emission by 2050.”

The Go Ultra Low campaign brings renewable energy back into the discussion as well: “The news comes as UK low carbon energy generation hit its highest share in 2017, regularly contributing more than 50% of the nation’s requirement.”

Renewable energy is quickly becoming the cheapest form of electricity across all G20 nations. The growth will only continue, and even faster if progressive politicians are elected to lead the world.

Image by Greenpeace

CleanTechnica also explored the relationship between EVs and solar panels in its recent EV driver report. “Across the six groups we surveyed, 28–40% of respondents said they had home solar panels. This is considerably more than the approximately 1% of homes in these regions that have solar panels.”

Survey results from our new EV report. Responses came from over 2,000 EV drivers across 26 European countries, 49 of 50 US states, and 9 Canadian provinces. Responses were segmented according to region — North America vs Europe — and type of electric car — plug-in hybrid vs Tesla vs non-Tesla fully electric car.

EVs and solar energy make nice partners.

Go Ultra Low is a collaborative campaign and is the first of its kind, bringing together a consortium of vehicle manufacturers, government, and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). We expect it will have more positive news before long.

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Cynthia Shahan

Cynthia Shahan, started writing after previously doing research and publishing work on natural birth practices. Words can be used improperly depending on the culture you are in. (Several unrelated publications) She has a degree in Education, Anthropology, Creative Writing, and was tutored in Art as a young child thanks to her father the Doctor. Pronouns: She/Her

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