The government’s official climate advisers, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), have targeted a 9% reduction in car mileage by 2035, increasing to 17% by 2050. The reduction, which is described as conservative, is to be achieved through a combination of modal shift – from cars to walking, cycling and public transport – an increase in car occupancy, and a reduction in travel.
If you are considering changing your mode of transport from car, then you may wish to view our information on Cycling and Public Transport.
However, below are a number of possible options you might wish to explore if you still need to travel by car but wish to reduce the environmental impact of your journey.
EVs (Electric Vehicles)
By the end of January 2024, approximately 1,000,000 Battery EVs (BEVs) were registered in the UK, and accounted for 16.5% of all new car registrations in 2023.
According to the CCC, whilst manufacturing BEVs is currently more carbon-intensive than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the reductions in operational emissions mean the total lifecycle emissions of are substantially lower.
The RAC provides a definitive guide for those who are interested in purchasing a BEV.
EV Charging Points
If you already have an EV, then you will need to know where you can charge it up when you’re not at home.
There are several websites which provide interactive maps showing EV charging locations across the UK, including Car Wow and Plug Share.
Another option is to download the ZapMap app for smart phones.
Eco-driving
For those not ready to move to an EV at this point, you can still reduce the impact of your journey.
Eco-driving is about ensuring your journey by car is as economical as possible, saving money and reducing emissions.
The AA provide advice on eco-driving, and in an eco-driving trial they found that, on average, drivers saved an average of 10% on their weekly fuel bills – the highest saved 33%.
Car Pooling
Otherwise known as lift or car sharing, car pooling is a way to share the cost and emissions associated with your travel, and is especially effective when it takes place regular and involves a a higher number of people; for example, for commuting to a place of work.
CoMoUK provides guidance about car pooling, specifically geared to the UK where it is relatively under utilised.
Outside of informal car pooling, where trips are arranged between friends or colleagues, there are a number of commercial lift sharing schemes operating in the UK, including BlaBlaCar, Gopili and Liftshare.
