Open Menu

    The road to green, 2023

    UK cities leading the EV charge

    Transport is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. That’s why the switch to electric vehicles is a key target in the government’s net-zero strategies, making up 23% of the total reduction in emissions expected by 2050.

    The sale of new petrol and diesel cars is set to end by 2030. But how are we tracking the electric vehicle (EV) transition? We combined a variety of key metrics to uncover an EV-readiness index that reveals which UK cities and towns are leading the way.

    Table of contents

    Table of contents

    01.

    Economic upsides to the EV transition

    The environmental agenda has largely driven the transition to EVs, but there are economic benefits too.

    • Jobs: the national shift to net-zero will have flow-on benefits through the jobs market. Charging infrastructure firms are hiring, and schemes like the government’s investment in mass-scale production of EV batteries will create thousands of green jobs.

    • Lower transport costs: compared to a petrol car, drivers can save over £650 a year on fuel.

    • Free parking: EVs are eligible for free parking while charging in many municipalities.

    • Tax savings: until 2025, zero-emission electric cars are exempt from paying vehicle road tax. After that point, their tax rate will depend on their retail price and emissions level.

    • Avoid congestion charge: electric vehicles usually don’t pay congestion fees, though this is subject to change as EVs are becoming more common.

    • Cheaper long-term: EVs can cost 40% less than a traditional car over their life, even though they’re normally more expensive to buy.

    • Good resale value: interest in EVs is high, so their value is holding up well and is expected to stay steady as the age of 100% EVs approaches. Of course, resale depends on many factors. See this EV depreciation guide for trends on many popular models.

    02.

    Electric vehicle boom in the UK

    Before we dive into which cities are making the most progress in the EV transition, let’s first look at the latest EV trends in the UK.

    We’ve focused on 100% battery electric vehicles (BEV) and excluded hybrids as they will be phased out in the transition to zero-emission transport.

    2021 BEV sales
    190K

    2021 BEV sales

    Year-on-year BEV increase 2020-2021
    92%

    Year-on-year BEV increase 2020-2021

    Number of BEVs on the road
    570K

    Number of BEVs on the road

    BEVs as a % of new car registrations
    17%

    BEVs as a % of new car registrations

    Source: SMMT data to September 2022

    03.

    How the EV-readiness index works

    We analysed a range of key metrics to rank UK cities and towns in their progress toward an electric vehicle future.

    BEV sales

    BEV sales

    New and used BEV sales data trends by location

    Charger availability

    Charger availability

    Number of chargers available per person

    Clean air policy

    Clean air policy

    Have or plan to introduce fossil fuel disincentive

    04.

    The UK cities and towns leading the charge toward an EV future

    Let’s take a look at the top 10 for 2022.

    01

    London

    London has been named as the city leading the charge to an electric vehicle future in the UK

    Our capital claimed the highest EV-readiness ranking out of all UK cities. The switch to electric is well underway in London, with flourishing new and used EV sales, and the percentage of BEVs amongst new vehicle registrations is nudging 25%.

    London is also leading the way in charging infrastructure with 8,600 public charge points for its 9 million residents. At the end of 2021, this represented a third of the UK’s total charge points and an 85% increase since 2019.

    Clean air has been a priority for London’s policymakers since 2008 when they launched a low-emission zone. It was upgraded to the world’s first 24-hour ultra-low emission zone in 2019, and it’s poised to expand again in 2023.

    London

    Credit: Flickr

    02

    Nottingham

    Nottingham achieves second place in our list of cities most prepared for the EV switch

    Nottingham is well-advanced in their transition to zero-carbon transport, with solid results across the metrics of the EV-readiness index. EV sales are climbing steadily, and with the UK’s second most charging stations outside of the capital, Nottingham’s EV drivers can easily recharge while out and about.

    Lack of trust in EV driving range and accessibility to charging points are key barriers to EV adoption, and Nottingham is addressing those concerns head-on.

    They are also driving the switch to EVs with innovative schemes like wireless charging of electric taxis and on-street EV charging.

    Nottingham

    Credit: https://www.transportnottingham.com/

    03

    Bedford

    Bedford scores a podium finish in the race to EV-readiness

    Bedford has been a leader in climate action since it declared a climate emergency in 2019. Now, it takes third place in our EV-readiness challenge.

    Bedford Borough Council has developed an extensive Net-Zero Strategy making installing charge points a key focus. Their innovations include a policy requiring developers to install EV infrastructure in new homes, businesses and community facilities.

    Electric vehicle sales exhibit strong growth, and many education campaigns are in place to support the switch. For example, the local council offers online EV webinars to demonstrate EV options and advantages to Bedfordshire businesses.

    Bedford

    Credit: www.jct600.co.uk/electric/

    04

    Manchester

    Manchester was named 4th in the list of cities most prepared for an electric vehicle future

    In Manchester, the switch to electric vehicles is gathering pace with strong sales in both new and used BEVs.

    Government data indicates EV charging infrastructure installation is progressing well, with the number of EV charge points available for Mancunians among the best in the UK.

    Manchester was to have a clean air zone in place by May 2022, but it’s now under review. Government feedback is required before the new investment-led Greater Manchester clean air plan can be implemented.

    Manchester

    Credit: www.jct600.co.uk/electric/

    05

    Newcastle upon Tyne

    Newcastle claims 5th place in the race to an EV future

    Newcastle is rapidly making the switch to electric vehicles with impressive results across the three metrics of our EV-readiness index.

    Newcastle upon Tyne recently named an EV hotspot, as the UK city with the most electric cars financed in 2022.

    Readily accessible charging infrastructure is critical to give motorists confidence to switch to EVs. Data shows there are less than 900 people per charger in Newcastle upon Tyne, which puts charger availability among the best in the UK.

    A clean air zone has been established in parts of Newcastle. It comes into place in 2023, and will only apply to buses, coaches, taxis, vans and heavy goods vehicles that do not meet national Clean Air Zone emissions standards. Private cars will be exempt from the associated charges.

    Newcastle upon Tyne

    Credit: https://www.flash-electrical.co.uk/

    06

    Milton Keynes

    Milton Keynes earns 6th place in a list of the UK’s top EV-ready cites

    In 2014, Milton Keynes was awarded £9 million in funding in the Go Ultra Low Cities scheme. This boost to creating EV charging infrastructure has enabled Milton Keynes to become one of the UK’s best places for EV charging.

    They also used the funding to educate residents, with the UK’s first all-EV, multi-brand car showroom opening in 2017. Now closed, it was an experience centre aimed at educating motorists on the benefits of EVs to help them confidently make the switch.

    Milton Keynes also has a parking scheme to encourage EV uptake with dedicated free parking for ultra-low emission cars.

    Milton Keynes

    Credit: https://www.autocar.co.uk/

    07

    Bristol

    Bristol named 7th most EV-ready city in the UK

    The EV revolution is taking off in Bristol, with more and more drivers making the switch.

    There are over 200 charging points available in Bristol in car parks, shopping centres and parks. In 2023, 150 further public charging points will be installed in residential areas, and grants are also available for installing charge points at home.

    To further encourage the switch to EVs, Bristol City Council offers businesses, sole traders and other organisations a free 2-month trial of electric vans and cars . The launch of this scheme comes ahead of a clean air zone launching in November 2022.

    Bristol

    Credit: https://travelwest.info/

    08

    Coventry

    Coventry clinches 8th place in the UK’s EV revolution

    Coventry is a leading EV-friendly hotspot, with one of the highest charger availability scores in the UK. They have taken advantage of government funding and have created innovative schemes like Plug-in Coventry which is one of the UK’s only truly open, fast-charging networks.

    The electric vehicle revolution is at the heart of Coventry’s economic future. It’s home to the UK’s battery industrialisation centre, and there is also a new gigafactory in the pipeline. The gigafactory will help drive the world’s transition to sustainable transport by producing advanced lithium-ion batteries and creating up to 6,000 new jobs.

    Coventry

    Credit: www.jct600.co.uk/electric/

    09

    Southampton

    Southampton scores 9th place among the UK cities paving the way for more EV takeup

    Southampton’s motorists are embracing the switch to EVs in record numbers. The south coast city recently ranked in second place in a list of UK cities with the most EVs financed in 2022.

    The city council has developed a comprehensive green city plan which includes a goal to be in the top 10% of UK cities for public electric charge points by 2025. They offer a range of incentives to encourage residents and businesses to switch to EVs, including parking and tollway discounts.

    Southampton

    Credit: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/

    10

    Oxford

    Oxford earns 10th place in the UK cities most prepared for an EV future

    Oxford residents have shown an enthusiastic takeup of EVs, with solid growth evident in new and used EV sales.

    Oxford is home to Europe’s most powerful EV charging hub. The recently opened Energy Superhub Oxford offers ultra-rapid charging for 42 vehicles and is 100% powered by renewable energy.

    A zero-emission zone pilot scheme has recently been established in Oxford to encourage people to switch to fully-electric vehicles. A city-centre trial was launched in February 2022, with plans to expand to a wider zone following further consultation.

    Oxford

    Credit: https://www.pivot-power.co.uk/

    A special mention must go to the remaining towns and cities in the top twenty index.

    Ranking highly in EV-readiness shows a deep commitment to the UK’s transport revolution, and these areas are all making efforts to provide charging points and incentives for fully-electric drivers.

    1. Brighton
    2. Solihull
    3. Leeds
    4. Warrington
    5. Banbury
    6. Derby
    7. Leicester
    8. Stafford
    9. Glasgow
    10. Barnsley

    The full index

    By gathering metrics on electric vehicle sales, charger availability and local clean air zones, we have created an index of those towns leading the charge to EV adoption. The full index is presented below.

    Seller Town Electric Vehicle Sales Rank Charger availability rank People per charger Combined EV rank
    London 1 15 1,672 1
    Nottingham 5 7 943 2
    Bedford 14 12 1,389 3
    Manchester 7 13 1,423 4
    Newcastle upon Tyne 26 6 863 5
    Milton Keynes 19 5 810 6
    Bristol 2 51 3,011 7
    Oxford 49 31 2,226 8
    Coventry 60 3 607 9
    Southampton 9 46 2,798 10
    Brighton 76 2 521 11
    Solihull 20 39 2,533 12
    Leeds 17 33 2,242 13
    Warrington 31 25 2,094 14
    Banbury 36 18 1,802 15
    Derby 10 57 3,220 16
    Leicester 19 70 3,855 17
    Stafford 71 36 2,387 18
    Glasgow 3 85 4,415 19
    Barnsley 52 43 2,646 20
    Darlington 43 44 2,717 21
    Bromley 83 22 1,997 22
    Stockton-on-Tees 92 8 987 23
    Loughborough 52 29 2,140 24
    Birmingham 6 121 7,751 25
    Chelmsford 11 79 4,130 26
    Rochdale 57 86 4,434 27
    Eastleigh 76 11 1,356 28
    Hayes 85 14 1,667 29
    St Albans 25 87 4,451 30
    Northampton 24 81 4,235 31
    Horsham 48 61 3,431 32
    Reading 11 97 5,300 33
    Norwich 11 94 5,075 34
    Swindon 18 78 4,125 35
    Wokingham 42 77 4,114 36
    Aylesbury 72 40 2,578 37
    Haywards Heath 81 10 1,209 38
    Wilmslow 52 76 4,069 39
    Wakefield 63 58 3,291 40
    Maidstone 35 68 3,711 41
    Falkirk 44 93 5,044 42
    Newark 98 23 2,006 43
    Slough 75 83 4,310 44
    Peterborough 55 82 4,299 45
    Chester 43 67 3,621 46
    Middlesbrough 38 88 4,460 47
    Hitchin 33 106 6,017 48
    York 67 35 2,365 49
    Fareham 85 90 4,783 50
    Sevenoaks 89 20 1,859 51
    Gloucester 56 73 3,949 52
    Andover 88 26 2,114 53
    Liverpool 22 102 5,878 54
    Exeter 75 49 2,872 55
    Ashford 81 55 3,139 57
    Lincoln 93 34 2,344 58
    Edinburgh 13 124 8,611 59
    Oldham 108 48 2,832 60
    Preston 27 114 6,667 61
    Stanmore 101 74 3,950 62
    Worcester 70 64 3,505 63
    Ormskirk 139 9 1,146 64
    Rochester 106 38 2,519 65
    Chesterfield 99 16 1,687 66
    Plymouth 102 45 2,768 67
    Crawley 34 115 6,943 68
    Guildford 87 54 3,125 69
    Newbury 147 4 806 70
    Cheltenham 23 128 9,704 71
    Wellingborough 50 100 5,620 72
    Leamington Spa 114 37 2,486 73
    Stockport 64 92 4,966 74
    Chorley 120 27 2,118 75
    Keighley 31 139 12,543 76
    Altrincham 51 103 5,935 77
    Rugby 56 118 7,315 78
    Ilford 45 99 5,606 79
    Watford 113 17 1,746 80
    Colchester 56 91 4,874 81
    Widnes 110 50 2,927 82
    Sheffield 43 146 17,574 83
    Aberdeen 97 71 3,856 84
    Maidenhead 90 84 4,322 85
    Camberley 118 69 3,804 86
    Croydon 141 30 2,222 87
    Bolton 75 56 3,141 88
    Salisbury 107 42 2,632 89
    Rotherham 134 47 2,800 90
    Huddersfield 50 132 10,644 91
    Halifax 51 131 10,328 92
    Sunderland 134 21 1,874 93
    Newport 59 101 5,790 94
    Wolverhampton 88 98 5,379 95
    Bury 116 53 3,052 96
    Ipswich 77 104 5,961 97
    Bracknell 105 75 4,005 98
    Worksop 145 24 2,060 99
    Sale 82 152 27,845 100
    Wrexham 107 105 5,972 101
    Sutton 102 116 6,948 102
    Romford 68 125 8,636 103
    Cambridge 87 60 3,371 104
    Hereford 154 32 2,238 105
    Doncaster 64 96 5,271 106
    Dundee 120 41 2,591 107
    Harrow 63 133 10,876 108
    Blackburn 67 129 9,768 109
    Huntingdon 35 147 17,735 110
    Hemel Hempstead 59 145 17,126 111
    Kettering 133 52 3,032 112
    Enfield 80 142 13,899 113
    Basingstoke 139 59 3,364 114
    Bishop's Stortford 101 123 8,218 115
    Bradford 118 107 6,236 116
    Eastbourne 115 66 3,582 117
    Brentwood 129 95 5,259 118
    Crewe 84 80 4,198 119
    Warwick 119 65 3,536 120
    Pinner 122 62 3,459 121
    Worthing 78 112 6,607 122
    Cannock 110 117 7,177 123
    Sutton Coldfield 76 144 15,290 124
    Bury Saint Edmunds 144 63 3,502 125
    Harrogate 89 143 14,843 126
    Macclesfield 112 110 6,395 127
    Luton 131 89 4,527 128
    Woking 80 119 7,424 129
    Wigan 121 134 10,963 130
    Telford 114 138 12,332 131
    Bournemouth 123 108 6,292 132
    Daventry 153 72 3,941 133
    Tamworth 103 130 10,246 134
    High Wycombe 79 109 6,343 135
    Bexleyheath 102 153 35,214 136
    Tadley 121 136 11,473 137
    Cardiff 86 120 7,581 138
    Wirral 61 156 161,633 139
    Walsall 109 149 19,127 140
    Grays 133 111 6,411 141
    Swansea 116 127 8,834 142
    Nuneaton 142 113 6,621 143
    Stoke-on-Trent 70 135 10,964 144
    Bridgwater 118 141 13,759 145
    Barnet 116 155 56,548 146
    Leatherhead 143 126 8,709 147
    Northwich 148 122 7,904 148
    Hull 124 150 23,741 149
    Orpington 126 148 18,063 150
    Harlow 135 137 11,796 151
    Southport 137 140 13,100 152
    Burton-on-Trent 122 154 36,150 153
    Chatham 140 151 25,170 154
    05.

    Watch this space

    With the 2030 deadline fast approaching, it’s encouraging to see these UK cities and towns embracing the electric vehicle revolution. Their residents enthusiastically adopt the technology, and many municipalities offer incentives and education to encourage motorists to make the switch. Congratulations to all the UK cities leading the charge. We’ll be following your progress with interest.

    Thinking of selling your car ahead of the 2030 EV switchover?

    Read this guide