Alternative fuelled cars gaining popularity in Britain

New research from AA Cars, the AA’s used car website, reveals that 26% of Britons are making carbon footprint a top priority when buying a new car.

Surveying over 17,000 drivers in the UK, the AA-Populous poll found that after comfort and safety, low CO2 emissions was the most important consideration for consumers looking for a new car.

Low toxic commissions falling under the Euro Standard are another growing consideration for British motorists. In April 2017, only 1% of British people considered low toxic emissions as the top priority. In the latest study, that figure has shot up to 15%.

In October 2017, London Mayor Sadiq Khan initiated a new scheme which saw drivers of ‘the most polluting cars’ pay a daily fee of £21.50 to drive in the city. This charge affected drivers of older, more polluting petrol and diesel vehicles, and added an £11.50 T-charge on top of the city’s existing congestion charge.

The move came in response to the city regularly exceeding pollution limits, something which has been linked to a range of health problems. The T-Charge is applicable to all pre-Euro 4 vehicles driving in the centre of London.

Latest data from the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reveals that sales of alternative fuelled vehicles in the UK have increased by over third (34%) in the last 12 months, despite a drop in the overall sale of new cars in the same period.

“Over the course of the last year, there’s been a notable shift in drivers’ priorities when it comes to buying new cars - one of the most striking trends amongst consumers is to more consciously consider the ‘green’ aspects of their next vehicle when heading down to the forecourt,” said Simon Benson, director of motoring services at AA Cars.

“This is a definite move in the right direction as drivers are now carefully considering CO2 emissions when buying a new car. On top of this, it is great to see an increasing awareness of pollution and air quality issues,” Benson continued.