How EV Charging Supports the Transition to Net Zero

The UK is committed to become a net zero economy by 2050, and a major factor in achieving this goal is reducing emissions produced from road travel. The fact is that a net zero Britain in 2050 will still be travelling via road, meaning the transition away from petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles is vital in achieving this goal.

The UK's Road to Net Zero

Roads and cars are an integral part of our transport system, with over 77% of families owning a car today according to RAC estimates. Almost nine out of ten passenger miles are travelled by road, and 79% of freight goods move by road. Transport is the highest emitting sector of the UK economy, accounting for 22% of total GHG emissions. Cars comprise 13% of the UK’s GHG emissions, vans 4% and HGVs 4%.

In order to stay on track to achieve Net Zero by 2050, emissions from transport and passenger vehicles need to be cut by over 70%. This means that electric vehicles are the future of transportation in the UK.

The Role of EVs in Reducing Carbon Emissions

A typical electric vehicle emits around two-thirds fewer greenhouse gases than an equivalent petrol car, even when accounting for battery production and disposal. As the UK government works toward decarbonising the power sector by 2035, these emissions savings are expected to grow. By 2050, EVs could produce over 80% fewer emissions than petrol vehicles. Encouraging the widespread adoption of EVs over petrol and diesel cars is therefore a crucial step in reducing the UK’s carbon footprint.

Why EV Charging Infrastructure is Crucial

Readily available, 24/7 petrol stations located on our roads ensures that travelling via petrol and diesel cars is easy and convenient. To encourage demand for EVs, the need for a reliable and efficient charging infrastructure is becoming more important than ever. People choose transport based on accessibility and convenience, meaning sufficient access to EV charging is essential in enabling the transition to electric vehicles. Both Source and the UK government share the vision of creating a safe, reliable, and accessible electric vehicle charging network across the UK.

Government Support and National Highways Initiatives

As part of the government's ten point plan for green industrial revolution, the Prime Minister announced that the sale of new diesel and petrol cars would be banned from 2035.

To achieve this, the UK government has launched a number of programmes, including the Rapid Charging Fund to help accelerate the need for a highly visible and dependable charging network across the UK. The government is also passing new laws to ensure charging electric vehicles is easier and quicker for drivers. These efforts are paving the way for a reliable, future-ready EV charging network, essential for meeting the UK’s 2050 net zero targets.

Source’s Contribution to a Sustainable Future

Sustainability is at the core of Source's mission. We are committed to reducing carbon emissions and working towards the goal of The Paris Agreement to limit global temperature increases to well below 2°C (vs pre-industrial levels). Our growing network of public EV chargers empowers drivers to make low-carbon choices without compromising on convenience, bringing the UK one charge closer to a net zero future.

As the UK government rolls out new legislation and funding to accelerate EV adoption, Source is playing a key role in delivering the infrastructure needed to make that vision a reality. We’re helping to turn policy into progress, ensuring that sustainable transport is not just a goal, but a daily option for drivers across the country.