Record fall in CO₂ emissions from cars in the UK

The UK car market has once again set the pace in the race to cut CO₂ emissions, beating the EU target by 4.2%. The average CO₂ emissions for new cars in the UK have fallen to a record low of 124.6g/km against an EU target of 130g/km. The figures released today also show Britain racing ahead of the rest of Europe in buying plug-in cars, with the UK selling more than any other country. In 2014 there were 52,000 Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles (AFVs) including hybrids, plug-ins and range extenders on the road which was a 58.1% increase over 2013.

The evolution of more efficient engines and the fall in CO₂ emissions has also contributed to the record breaking number of car buyers paying £0 vehicle excise duty based on their car’s emissions. 68.8% of new car buyers enjoyed the added bonus of paying no road tax on their new vehicle in the first year.

The successful take-up of electric vehicles by drivers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland provides a pathway for the automotive industry to position the UK as a global centre of excellence for low carbon powertrain development and production. The APC will soon be opening the next competition for grant funding in early May with up to £60 million worth of investment towards low carbon advanced propulsion technology projects available to applicants.