As concerns grow over climate change and air pollution, there is increasing interest in sustainable cars – vehicles that have a lower environmental impact. The UK government has set a target for the country to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Achieving this will require major changes in how we power our cars. So, what are the options for sustainable cars in the UK?
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) running on battery power produce zero tailpipe emissions. Sales of new EVs in the UK have grown rapidly in recent years, from around 3,500 in 2013 to nearly 1.7 million in 2024, with growth in the EV market hitting 41% between 2022 and 2023. However, EVs still only accounted for 17.8% of new car sales in 2023, with petrol models more popular.
Cost, range anxiety, and lack of charging infrastructure remain barriers to mass adoption. The UK government has introduced grants and tax incentives to make EVs more affordable. It is also investing in charging points across the country to ease range anxiety. As battery technology improves and prices fall, EVs will become a mainstream choice.
Hybrids
Hybrid cars have both an electric motor and conventional petrol or diesel engine. They can drive short distances on electric power before the combustion engine kicks in. Hybrids are more efficient than conventional cars, producing 20-30% less CO2 on average. Popular models in the UK include the Toyota C-HR and Honda Civic.
Plugin hybrids have larger batteries that can be charged from mains electricity. This allows them to drive farther on electric-only power. The Ford Kuga is currently the UK’s top-selling plug-in hybrid.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
These cars use hydrogen tanks and fuel cells to generate electricity on board to power electric motors. The only tailpipe emission is water, so hydrogen is a zero-emissions fuel. However, most hydrogen is currently produced from natural gas, which has a high carbon footprint. But in the future, hydrogen can be produced sustainably using renewable energy.
There are currently only two models of hydrogen car currently available in the UK – the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo SUV.
Biofuels
Some conventional petrol and diesel cars can run on renewable biofuels like ethanol or biodiesel. These are made from plant materials so can reduce a vehicle’s carbon footprint by 70-90% compared to fossil fuels. In the UK, petrol containing 5% bioethanol (known as E5) is widely sold. The government also offers incentives for drivers to use higher ethanol blends like E10 or flex-fuel vehicles compatible with E85. However, biofuels remain controversial due to concerns over land use change and food crop diversion. Advanced biofuels from wastes and algae that avoid these issues are being developed.
While more expensive upfront, investing in an electric or hybrid model pays dividends through lower running costs and tax incentives. Going sustainable now future-proofs your car purchase for environmental policies down the line. You also do your bit to cut emissions and pollution from motoring. Shop around for bad credit car finance if your credit history is hampering your decision to buy a new EV or hybrid.
With a concerted effort from government, industry, and motorists, driving can be compatible with the UK’s net zero future.