Road based transport currently accounts for approximately 22 percent of the UK CO2
emission and therefore reducing the reliance on carbon based fuels in this sector is seen as
a priority. Arup and Cenex, on behalf of the Department for Business Enterprise and
Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Department for Transport (DfT), have investigated the
scope for the transport sector to switch to vehicles powered through electricity from the grid
in the period to 2030.

This study was commissioned to provide a better understanding of the contribution that
battery electric vehicles (EVs)1 and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can make to this
target and the long-term reduction of the UK’s CO2 emissions.

As highlighted in the King Review of Low-Carbon Cars, road based CO2 emissions
reductions will come from a number of different sources including the development of
alternative fuels such as hydrogen, the continuing improvements in internal combustion
engine efficiency, and lightweighting of vehicles. The review and impact of these has not
been considered in this study.

This study has examined a number of factors which will influence the development, uptake
and impact of EVs and PHEVs within the UK.
In particular the following have been considered:

· Possible scenarios for the uptake of these vehicles

· Comparison of the life cycle emissions and environmental impacts of these vehicles with
petrol/diesel vehicles

· Battery technologies for EVs

· The impact of these vehicles upon the UK electricity grid

· Opportunities to develop UK business in support of vehicle development

· Barriers to be overcome and incentives required to help stimulate the market

· Pilot projects to test and further understand the issues surrounding the mass
introduction of these vehicles.

The study has focused primarily on cars and light commercial vehicles as these are the
most suitable for the application of EV and PHEV technologies and make up the greatest
proportion of UK registered vehicles. The uptake of EVs in the medium term will be centred
on urban environments and will start with the city/second car market and local delivery
vehicles. PHEVs with their increased range will have greater penetration of the market in
the medium term.

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