It is undisputed that the Coronavirus pandemic has had a dramatic impact upon the retail and sales industry and the automotive industry has not been exempt. 

 

Data released in early January 2021 found that UK car sales fell to the lowest rates it has seen since 1992.  A previously lucrative and thriving industry saw sales plummeting by 29.4%, costing the industry a whooping £20.4 billion in losses. This is not unsurprising, especially since the requirement for personal transport in 2020 diminished following stay at home rules.

It wasn’t all bad news however, since the environment got a well deserved break from the 24/7 suffocation from vehicle fumes. In fact,  studies have identified that global emissions reduced on average by 17% and at its peak, emission reduced by 26% worldwide during last year’s peak in the pandemic.  It just shows how much our work-travel requirements and social activities increase our emissions!

 

EV Sales

 

Whilst petrol and diesel sales were depleting, the EV industry proliferated despite Covid-19.

Last year 108,205 EV’s were sold in the UK which amounts to a 180% year-on-year rise in EV sales and, at the end of 2020, 10.7% of car sales in the UK had some form of electric, low emission design (i.e. hybrid or full electric).

The increasing sale and demand of EV is great news in light of the concerns regarding environmental health and climate change.  With the UK on a climate emergency mission which has announced the ban of all petrol and diesel car sales by 2030, the increase in EV purchased is a welcomed response. 

It is without a doubt that Covid-19 will continue to impact the motor industry although, there is hope that this event may trigger the growth in the EV market. 

 

About Wessex Eco Energy

At Wessex Eco Energy we are trained and assured electric vehicle charge point installers. 

We offer a range of charge points for clients wanting to transition to electric. Our favourite being the ‘Zappi’, a charge point that enables you to power your car using your our micro generated energy from solar (if you have it installed). Although, if you do not have solar PV installed on your property, this charge point still is a great option as it runs of your home power and helps future proof your property.

 

Sources:

Attwood, J (2021) Analysis: 2020 UK car sales hit 28-year low, EV market grows rapidly https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry-news/analysis-2020-uk-car-sales-hit-28-year-low-ev-market-grows-rapidly [Accessed: 26/01/2021]

Le Quéré, C., Jackson, R. B., Jones, M. W., Smith, A. J., Abernethy, S., Andrew, R. M., … & Peters, G. P. (2020). Temporary reduction in daily global CO 2 emissions during the COVID-19 forced confinement. Nature Climate Change, 10(7), 647-653.