Using low-emission and electric vehicles as part of greener travel choices
Cutting carbon from transport is an important part of the government’s plan to reach net zero. This means changing how we travel and the types of transport we use. One part of this is switching to ultra-low emission vehicles, which produce fewer carbon emissions and help improve air quality.
Most major car manufacturers now make electric vehicles and the choice of vehicles on the market is increasing. This follows the government’s plan to stop the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035. While this will help improve air quality, we also need to change the way we travel, including increasing active travel and the use of public transport.
Types of ultra-low emission vehicles
Battery electric vehicles (BEV)
Battery electric vehicles contain an electric motor and batteries, which need to be charged regularly. As these vehicles produce no emissions, they can often be used in congestion or clean air zones at little or no cost. Charging an electric vehicle is often cheaper than filling a vehicle with fuel, and most can travel between 100 and 300 miles on a single charge.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV)
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles use both an engine and an electric motor with a chargeable battery. They can run on electricity for short trips up to 50 miles and switch to fuel for longer journeys. These vehicles are most efficient when charged regularly, otherwise they can cost more to run due to their extra weight and maintenance costs.
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV)
Hybrid electric vehicles use a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor. The battery recharges through braking, so it doesn’t need to be plugged in. Their benefit to the wider aim of reducing tailpipe emissions is limited.
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV)
Fuel cell electric vehicles work by converting hydrogen into electrical energy, meaning the only tailpipe emissions are water vapour and warm air. They contain a battery for temporary energy storage and can be refuelled at the pump with hydrogen in a few minutes, however the refuelling infrastructure in the UK is currently limited. This technology is often seen as more suitable for buses and heavy goods vehicles.