Environmental fears grow as average age of UK cars reaches record high
The average age of cars on UK roads has reached a record high
- The average age of cars on UK roads has reached a record high of nearly 10 years, according to research by the RAC Foundation.
- This figure, standing at nine years and 10 months at the end of last year, marks a significant increase from seven years and five months recorded in 2015.
- While improved build-quality allows modern cars to last longer, this trend is considered 'bad news for the environment' as it slows the transition to electric vehicles.
- Petrol cars have the oldest average age at 10 years and four months, in contrast to battery electric cars which are typically just two years and six months old.
- The RAC Foundation warns that a tenfold increase in battery electric cars is required by 2030 to meet emission reduction targets, necessitating a substantial effort.