Electric Car Sales and Their Impact on Air Quality

Did you know that from 2030, every new car sold in the UK will be electric or hybrid? There are over a million electric cars in the UK, with the millionth plug-in car registered in September 2022. The UK electric car market is booming, and the government expects one in four households to buy one in the next five years.    

Cars are one of the biggest causes of air pollution in the UK. Have you ever been driving down the motorway and been slowed down to 40-50mph despite having no traffic jam ahead? This is known as a way of controlling the number of emissions that contribute to air pollution. The air quality in the UK is slowly beginning to improve, but there is still a long way to go. With an electric future imminent, this blog explores the future of UK electric vehicles and how a BEng (Hons) Sustainable and Electric Vehicle Engineering degree prepares you for the upcoming opportunities. 

78% Reduction in Carbon Emissions by 2035 

The UK Government set in law a 78% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035. The announcement was made during the launch of the UK's sixth carbon budget, which limits the emissions of C02 greenhouse gases over five years, covering 2033–2037. 

The legislation seeks to bring the UK closer to its target of being carbon neutral by 2050. Several initiatives are in place to meet the target, including zero road tax on hybrid and electric vehicles. The incentive has led to increased electric vehicle (EV) sales, which generate zero emissions. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders indicate a 35% increase in EV sales in November 2022. 

Electric Vehicles Price Parity 

According to a study by Bloomberg NEF, the price of an electric vehicle and a petrol car will be equal by 2027. Several governments have set targets to phase out internal combustion vehicle sets by 2030. They are also investing heavily to improve their EV charging infrastructure, with the UK allocating £20 million for this initiative. 

Electric vehicle manufacturers are also researching better methods to produce longer-lasting batteries and reduce production costs. You can contribute to this initiative by studying for a BEng (Hons) Sustainable and Electric Vehicle Engineering degree from the University of Bolton. The programme equips you with the necessary skills to create, assess, and support the development of more sustainable, environmentally-friendly vehicles. 

Increasing Focus on Renewable Energy 

Electric car sales will continue to rise as more people embrace their environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness. As governments continue to tighten regulations on polluting industries, society should expect improved air quality over time.  

However, we can only achieve this by making sustainable choices whenever possible. For example, switching to electric cars and carpooling services reduces your carbon footprint significantly. You can also have a greater impact by becoming a specialist in sustainable engineering, helping governments and organisations with policy-making and infrastructure development. 

Why Study BEng (Hons) at the University of Bolton? 

- You will have access to industry-standard, state-of-the-art facilities, earning you highly employable skills for your future career. Our vastly experienced lecturers offer personalised study programs to ensure you get maximum value during your study 

- Our programme design fully meets the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer. You can also reach Chartered Engineer status through an accredited period of further study at the master's level. We ensure the programme is always driven by employers' current and future needs through our Industry Advisory Board and industry partnerships 

- You will be studying alongside students and professionals from other engineering specialities, gaining wider knowledge and experience that supports cross-disciplinary thinking 

Bolton University's BEng (Hons) Sustainable and Electric Vehicle Engineering degree is a three-year full-time study programme. Click here for the full course details.  

For more information, please get in touch with us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call 01204 903807. You can also attend one of our upcoming Open Days to speak to your lecturers and tour the campus. See our positive and supportive learning environment and find out why our students love #UniAsItShouldBe.