Automotive Industry Records Record Year for Reducing Carbon Emissions | national

The automotive sector has had a record year for reducing carbon emissions in 2020 despite being blocked economic progress by Covid-19, new research shows.

The Society of Engine Builders and Traders (SMMT) 22^sd The sustainability report said electric vehicles accounted for more than one in 10 registrations in 2020, with a 90% increase in the number of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) alone.

UK production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), PHEVs and hybrids (HEVs) reached 18.8% of all cars manufactured, up from 14.8% in 2019. BEVs fell from 3.4% to 4. 5%.

These vehicles are also manufactured more sustainably, with 14.2% less energy and 36.8% less water used on average per vehicle than at the turn of the millennium. Total combined waste to landfill decreased by 98.7% and CO2 equivalents per vehicle produced decreased by 36.5%.

Due to efficiency losses caused by reduced production throughout the pandemic, energy, landfill waste and water consumption per vehicle increased year-over-year by 11 , 2%, 19.9% ​​and 8.3% respectively.

The sector’s turnover has grown 25.7% since 1999 to reach £ 60.2 billion, with R&D spending increasing more than three times over the same period. However, the turnover decreased by 24.6% in 2020 compared to the previous year.

Mike Hawes, Managing Director of SMMT, said: “The impact of the pandemic on a sector like the automotive industry, which depends on global supply chains, strong consumer demand and a strong workforce. highly skilled work, was always going to be severe. The report shows that economic and market growth has stalled with many factories closed and retail businesses closed.

“Yet the pandemic has also proven the importance of the sector as it has turned its capabilities towards manufacturing PPE and ventilators and has ensured the country’s mobility through ongoing vehicle maintenance and repair.

“Despite adversity, the industry’s commitment and investment in zero emission vehicles has not waned, providing the best year of average reduction in carbon emissions for the fleet. to government to ensure that the framework, incentives and infrastructure exist to improve our competitiveness and meet the sustainable demands of society in the future. “