New data reveals Greater Manchester as the UK’s champion for electric vehicles (EVs), with over 1 million plug-in cars registered in the region between 2009 and 2023. This translates to nearly 10% of the UK’s total electric car registrations during that period, according to a study by insurance experts Howden Insurance.
The research, compiled using data from the Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, analysed plug-in car registrations across all UK local authorities over a 14-year period. Stockport, a town within Greater Manchester, emerged as the area’s frontrunner, boasting the highest number of registered electric cars at an impressive 837,067 – a staggering 80% of the local authority’s total.
Outer London followed closely behind Greater Manchester, securing the second-place position with a total of 908,775 electric car registrations. The borough of Hillingdon within Outer London led the charge with 109,831 cars. West Yorkshire secured the third position with 625,234 registered electric cars, with Leeds taking the lead within the county at 487,775 registrations.
Interestingly, Inner London ranked slightly lower at fourth place with 620,365 electric car registrations. Here, Westminster emerged as the borough with the most EVs at 131,286. The West Midlands rounded out the top five with 580,289 registered electric cars, with Birmingham boasting the highest number in the region at 325,895.
The study’s findings align with the growing trend of clean air initiatives across the UK. “Greater awareness of the environmental impact of traditional vehicles is prompting local authorities to introduce clean air schemes,” commented a spokesperson for Howden Insurance. “This, coupled with the increasing affordability of electric cars and government incentives, has significantly boosted interest in EVs throughout the UK.”
The spokesperson further highlighted the correlation between clean air zones and EV adoption: “Areas like the West Midlands and West Yorkshire, with Clean Air Zones in Birmingham and Bradford respectively, have invested heavily in EV charging infrastructure to accommodate the rising number of electric vehicles.” This investment is underscored by the recent news of the West Midlands securing £15.7 million to install up to 12,000 electric vehicle chargers across the region over the next five years.
The surge in electric car registrations in Greater Manchester, Outer London, and other regions is a promising indicator of the UK’s transition towards a more sustainable transportation future. As clean air initiatives gain momentum and EV infrastructure continues to develop, it will be interesting to see which areas solidify their positions as leaders in the electric car revolution.
