The UK's electric vehicle adoption is slowing despite global sales surging, according to a new RAC report that warns Britain risks missing government targets without urgent intervention. While EV numbers continue rising on British roads, the pace of transition falls short of what's needed to meet the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales.
The report identifies two critical barriers holding back UK drivers: inadequate public charging infrastructure and high upfront costs. These concerns are deterring potential buyers and hampering the shift from conventional vehicles, threatening to leave Britain behind other nations in the global race towards electrification.
The contrast with international markets is stark. EV sales are booming worldwide, particularly in China, highlighting the UK's specific struggles with consumer confidence in electric vehicles' practicality and affordability. This divergence raises serious questions about whether the government's ambitious 2035 target remains achievable.
The consequences for British communities are significant. A sluggish transition could worsen urban air quality, delay net-zero emissions goals, and undermine the UK's competitiveness in the global automotive sector. The findings also cast doubt on the effectiveness of current government incentives designed to boost EV uptake.
Opposition parties are expected to pounce on the data, with Shadow Secretaries for Transport and Energy Security likely to attack the government's environmental record. The findings will intensify pressure on ministers to overhaul their strategies for charging infrastructure and consumer support, as criticism mounts over progress towards decarbonising transport.