Data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that the average carbon-dioxide emissions of new cars in 2021 dropped to 119.7g per kilometre driven, a fall of 11.2% on the previous year.
A rise in the sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), as well as hybrids, is believed to have contributed a great deal to the decline in emissions. At just 12% of total sales, BEVs still represent a minority of new car sales, but they have absolutely no exhaust emissions, bringing average emissions down substantially. Car sales data shows that 14,400 BEVs were sold in January this year alone, more than double in the same month last year.
In a statement, the Chief Executive of SMMT, Mike Hawes, pointed to how electric vehicles are pushing sales growth for new vehicles despite challenging conditions, such as the ongoing increase in the cost of living, shortages of chips and inflationary pressures. He added that 2022:
“Is off to a reasonable start, however, and with around 50 new electrified models due for release this year, customers will have an ever greater choice, which can only be good for our shared environmental ambitions.”
Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly attractive option. If you are considering transitioning a fleet to include electric vehicles, however, you also need to consider using lubricants that are designed to get the most from them. At TrAchem, we can help you supplement traditional lubricants, like the Shell Spirax transmission oil, with EV-oriented equivalents like Shell E-Fluids E6 i Plus. Speak to us to learn more.
