Over recent years we have seen a greater societal focus on protecting the environment, and nowhere has that trend been more prevalent than in the automotive industry. The UK government has announced plans to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 and it seems that the public have responded.
January 2021 data from the Society of Motor Traders and Manufacturers reveals a 54.4% increase in the registration of battery electric vehicles compared to the same period last year, while plug-in hybrids are up 28%.
So, the authorities are doing their bit and it seems as though the driving public are following their lead. But what are some of the bigger corporations doing, and how else can individuals contribute to reducing our carbon footprint and preserving our planet?
How are businesses committing to a greener future?
Uber is one such global organisation that has made a pledge to limit its impact on the environment. In 2019, it launched a Clean Air Plan, which aims to make every car on the app in London fully electric by 2025. And, by 2040, Uber hopes 100% of its trips worldwide will be taken in zero-emission vehicles.
Amazon is another massive organisation that is committing significant resources towards sustainability. In 2020 it launched the Climate Pledge Fund, a $2 billion investment that hopes to make the business net-zero carbon by 2040.
What can the public do to help the cause?
The initiatives mentioned above are major steps, of course, but individual drivers can also do their bit as their accumulated efforts will amount to major changes. For example, they can make use of the government grant to earn a discount on the purchase price of their EV.
Road users can also modify the way they drive. For example, keeping a keen eye on MPG, removing excess weight from the car and ensuring the tyre pressure is correct can all contribute towards more efficient driving and reduced emissions. Regular maintenance is also a key factor, although some mechanics may find they have to invest in new spanners, wrenches and socket sets when working on the latest electric models.
What does the future of green car tech look like?
There are also plenty of developments in the pipeline that will help us all create a more sustainable future on our roads. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently hinted that his company is working on batteries that could last for one million miles, while Goodyear has displayed its commitment to innovation with the development of moss-filled tyres, which places an altogether different slant on the phrase ‘green car technology’.
