UK sees growing public demand for electric cars, heat pumps than ever before

UK sees growing public demand for electric cars, heat pumps than ever before
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More people in the UK are buying electric cars and installing heat pumps than ever before, but the Climate Change Committee (CCC) says these numbers must grow further to meet net zero targets by 2050, BBC reported. The UK has cut greenhouse gas emissions by over half since 1990, mainly by replacing coal with renewable energy. Transport and buildings remain the largest emitters and need to become cleaner.

Electric car sales have nearly doubled in two years, with one in five new cars sold in 2024 being electric. Although still more expensive upfront, electric cars are expected to reach price parity with petrol cars soon and are cheaper to run. Heat pump sales are also growing rapidly, helped by government grants and relaxed planning rules, but are still below targets due to high installation and electricity costs.

The CCC highlights that high household electricity bills, driven by wholesale gas prices and added charges supporting older renewable projects and efficiency upgrades, hinder adoption. The government plans to remove some costs for businesses and could do so for households, potentially lowering bills by about £200 but costing the government around £6bn annually. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasizes commitment to lowering bills and expanding clean power.