THE UK’S SHIFT TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES: CLIMATE GAINS AND THE HURDLES AHEAD

Abstract

This paper is relevant to the context of the United Kingdom’s move away from gasoline towards EVs to ease climate change. Transport accumulates the largest part of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for over 27% of them in 2019, so in most ways EVs are a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel powered vehicles, particularly when driven on renewable energy. Moreover, these vehicles are cheaper to operate and they are less noisy than regular vehicles. This study thus far has been able to account for some of the specific problems of adopting EVs. The work premises include analysing the initiatives of UK government, namely EV Incentives, Road to Zero Strategy (also in 2021 and milestones) as well as the expected end of sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2030. This paper evaluates through qualitative and secondary data sources the costs, benefits, barriers and policy responses related to the adoption of EV. Yet strain on it will continue till, with more investment, strategic planning, and public engagement, it leads to a future of transportation that seeps little carbon.