One of the biggest challenges UK cities are facing today is reducing their carbon emissions, and one of the most effective ways to do this is through the use of electric cars, or even better, electric car conversions. Thanks to the advancements in technology and growing public interest in sustainability, there are now a number of UK cities that have significant numbers of electric vehicles on their roads!
You can’t travel far these days without seeing a Tesla or Nissan Leaf parked on the side of the road. Charging stations are increasingly being installed in places ranging from your local grocery to a city-bound parking garage. That’s before you factor in the hundreds that dot the UK’s highways.
The country’s interest in electric vehicles has certainly risen, fueled by the government’s “Green Industrial Revolution” goals and the impending ban on all new internal combustion engine car sales by 2030.
UK cities with the most electric cars
As the UK looks to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2030, electric cars are becoming more popular. With the UK government committed to increasing the number of electric cars on the roads, it is likely that these trends will continue in the coming years. But which UK cities have the most electric cars on the roads right now?
Here are the top 5 cities in the UK with the highest number of electric cars.
London
For decades, London has been the centre of UK commerce and trade, as well as the seat of fallen empires. Where sewage-strewn streets, tight and unhygienic living quarters, and horse-drawn carriages may have been the most pressing concern a couple of centuries ago, now it is the worrisome amounts of nitrous oxide.
At its peak, harmful pollution from metropolitan traffic was shortening people’s lives, impeding lung development, and exacerbating chronic diseases. What’s more disturbing is that these unlawful pollution levels affect at least 360 of Greater London’s educational institutions.
The world-leading program, Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), was launched in April 2019 to avoid additional harm to Londoners’ well-being and to substantially reduce air pollution all throughout the city. Anyone driving who does not satisfy the rigorous emissions requirements then will now be charged a daily fee.
As a result, London has surpassed many as being the most popular and number one city for electric vehicle users. Residents of this already-expensive city have received a number of concessions in order to convince them to take up the EV campaign. It’s no wonder that London is leading the effort, given the administration’s “Plug-in Grant” program and the impending 2030 diesel and gasoline banning timeline.
Birmingham
Birmingham became one of the latest cities in the UK to implement a low-emission area, following London’s lead. The Clean Air Charging Zone (CAZ) requires all automobiles, buses, trucks, and cabs to comply with severe emissions regulations.
By any measure, Birmingham is a large city. It has a population of about 1.1 million people, including over 60,000 electric and hybrid vehicles. There are now less than 100 public charging stations scattered around the area. However, with the impending 2030 prohibition, this is expected to rise to meet rising demand.
Manchester
The Old Trafford Centre, as well as a number of notable museums and historical buildings, are among Manchester’s many wonderful attractions. A compelling incentive to get in your vehicle and see what this historic Lancashire area has to offer. But that’s before you consider the 3 million people that live there. People go about their daily lives through a maze of clogged freeways and damaged roads.
Manchester has experienced a huge increase in electric vehicle ownership over the previous three years. At last count, the city had 213 public charging stations and roughly 2,000 electric vehicles on the road. That may sound insignificant, but over 70% of people believe that electric vehicles are the way of the future.
Leeds
Leeds is one of Yorkshire’s most populous cities. The Civic Quarter, the old Briggate commercial complex, and the spectacular Royal Armouries Museum are all located there. It’s also a short distance from the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. However, with so many scenic spots and activities to offer, Leeds is just another sufferer of excessive pollution levels.
Leeds City Council’s form of ULEZ, the Clean Air Charging Zone, went into effect in mid-2020. The goal, like with other low-emissions initiatives, is to minimize carbon emissions and safeguard everyone’s safety in the city.
With a community of over 800,000 people, the city presently has 18,000 electric vehicles authorized. Furthermore, the municipal government has placed approximately 130 public charging stations across the city. They want to make EV technology as accessible as possible.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth, which is home to Her Majesty’s Naval Base, is famed for its nautical heritage and bustling port. The city’s present endemic is connected to the deadly amounts of environmental pollution that exist across the city, in addition to its rich heritage. Air pollution is responsible for approximately 100 fatalities per year. To counteract the escalating number of fatalities, the city has established its own CAZ zone.
With nearly a quarter-million residents, the city already has an amazing 8,000 alternative-fuel vehicles on the road. The city also recently received a £6.6 million grant to promote and expand electric vehicle infrastructure in order to meet the city’s air quality targets this 2022.
Each of these UK cities has made electric vehicles a priority to help improve air quality and meet emissions targets. London is currently leading the way, with Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Portsmouth not far behind.
They are all taking steps to reduce air pollution and embrace electric vehicles, which is making it clear that electric vehicle technology is the way of the future. Whether through implementing low-emission zones or providing incentives for electric vehicle owners, these UK cities are leading the charge toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.
With so many EVs on the road and public charging stations popping up all over, it’s easier than ever to make the switch to electric power. So if you’re looking to do your part for the environment, why not consider an electric car conversion for your classic car?