EV share in the UK’s car production hit new high in July

EV share in the UK’s car production hit new high in July

Sep 10, 2021

Almost 26% of all cars made last month were alternatively fuelled, according to a new report

More than a quarter of all cars produced in UK car factories were either battery electric (BEV), plug in hybrid (PHEV) or hybrid electric (HEV), their highest share on record. That’s according to the latest figures by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which show that UK manufacturers have produced more than 126,700 of these cars since the start of the year.

Downturn in British car manufacturing

The report suggests UK car manufacturing output fell almost 37% last month, representing the worst July performance since 1956. With the main cause being the global shortage of semiconductors and staff absence resulting from the ‘pingdemic’, where many people have had to self-isolate after being ‘pinged’ by the NHS COVID app.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive at SMMT, said: “The UK automotive industry is doing what it can to keep production lines going, a testament to the adaptability of its workforce and manufacturing processes, but the government can help by continuing the supportive Covid measures currently in place and boosting our competitiveness with a reduction in energy levies and business rates for a sector that is strategically important in delivering net zero.”

British Gas Business

The demand for EV charging is rapidly increasing, what is your business doing in response? At British Gas our on-site EV charging solutions cover everything from design and finance, to installation and maintenance – simplifying the rollout and minimising disruption to your business. Discover more below.

> Find out more

< Older Post Newer Post >

Balancing planet and profit during unprecedented market volatility

06 Jul, 2022

Balancing planet and profit during unprecedented market volatility

Why are energy prices high compared to a year ago?

By Vander Caceres • 14 Jun, 2022

Wholesale energy prices have experienced unprecedented levels of volatility since the end of summer 2021, with both day ahead/spot and future contracts surging to all-time highs. In the last couple of months, prices have decreased but still remain high compared to a year ago. This period of high energy prices is expected to continue for the foreseeable future (see next section). Energy prices have surged for a number of reasons: A global increase in gas demand following the ease or end of Covid-related restrictions throughout 2021. After the pandemic, economies across the world started to recover. Asian countries like China saw their imports of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) increase. This resulted in lower LNG shipments to the UK and Europe. On the supply side, the Covid-19 lockdowns pushed some maintenance work from 2020 into 2021 at a time when demand was recovering. In 2021, gas production hit a record low of 363TWh, 47TWh below the previous record low in 2013. Low production was the result of an extensive summer maintenance schedule which saw shutdowns at several major terminals, as well as the Forties Pipeline System which serves a significant proportion of UK gas and oil production. A lack of wind in the summer resulted in higher demand for conventional power. European gas storage in 2021 and Q1’22 remained far below previous years and it’s unclear how these are going to be replenished in the summer given the concerns around supply including the potential suspension of Russian gas flows due to sanctions. The 1,234km offshore Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which was designed to double the flow of gas between Russia and Germany (and by extension the rest of Europe) has been abandoned following the invasion of Ukraine. Gas storage in the UK is extremely minimal with capacity at less than 2% of the UK’s annual demand, compared with 22% for other European countries. Whilst the UK is not heavily reliant on gas coming from Russia, it sources almost half it’s gas supply from Europe. Hence, wholesale gas and power prices in the UK are now subject to knock-on-effects from the conflict in Ukraine.

What does volatility mean for your journey to net zero?

20 May, 2022

Amidst rising energy costs, digitalisation, growing pressure from stakeholders and increasing regulation, organisations may struggle to define their pathway to a low-carbon future. What can you do to protect your business’ net zero plans from the challenges of volatility? Disruption and volatility are putting organisations under pressure. Digitalisation and new technology developments continue to challenge existing business models. Its increasing dependence on energy and encouraging businesses to drive change to secure competitive advantage. And as customers, employees and shareholders look to engage with companies who understand the importance of decarbonisation, pressure is mounting to prioritise sustainability.

> Show More