Two thirds of Brits think electric cars are the future of the motor industry.
Transport currently accounts for almost a third (30%) of the world’s total energy use and around a quarter of the global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
With climate change high on the news agenda and more consumers than ever making a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint, there is no bigger industry that is impacted by this than the travel and motor sector, said innovation specialist MPA.
As part of their Environmental Innovations series, which looks at how British businesses and consumers are adapting to become more environmentally friendly, innovation specialist MPA looks at the biggest factors that are overhauling the industry.
The rise of electric cars
Research conducted by MPA through YouGov Profiles found that almost two thirds (65%) of Brits agreed that we should drive less to save the environment. But with 31.8 million cars on the UK’s roads, a car-less society seems a very distant memory.
One of the most environmentally friendly alternatives is electric cars, which create less greenhouse gas and other emissions than cars powered solely by internal combustion engines. It seems the British public agrees, with the research finding that 69% agree that electric cars are the future of the motor industry.
Last year saw 59,945 sales of electric cars in the UK, a record year according to the SMMT, suggesting that alternative drives are a trend that is set to continue. With an increase in consumer demand, manufacturers will have to innovate in order to keep up. One such company is The Nextrode Project, who are working with the University of Warwick to ‘revolutionise the way electrodes for Li-ion EV batteries are manufactured’.
John Lowndes, Director at MPA said, “The travel and motor sector is one of the industries that has seen the most consumer backlash from the increase in public interest in eliminating climate change, so it is great to see that so many businesses are already investing in innovative ways to be more sustainable.
“Factors such an increased customer demand for electric cars and more sustainable air travel will definitely help in offsetting carbon footprints and will help the nation in living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.”