UK car production achieves historic milestone despite calls for massive sector changes

UK car production has reached a milestone achievement in the push for renewable power, as experts call for an acceleration in net zero goals.

New data shows that vehicle makers across the UK have increased the on-site generation of renewables by more than one-third in the last 12 months.

A record 80.4 gigawatts of renewable energy was generated by British manufacturing plants, according to research from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The 80.4GWh of energy is enough to power 43,000 homes and cut a staggering 14,000 tonnes of carbon, emphasising the move to cleaner technologies.

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SMMT analysis represents manufacturers of 99.7 per cent of all UK-built cars and commercial vehicles, in addition to the wider supply chain.

The industry body said the move to renewable power generation showed how the sector was taking steps to reduce resource use and build "greener plants for greener vehicles".

More than one-third of the entire industry's electricity was supplied through green energy from the grid in 2025.

It comes as manufacturers offer over 160 zero emission vehicles models, contributing to the registration of 470,000 EVs in the UK last year.

June marked one of the strongest months on record for electric vehicles, with 63,950 sales capturing 30 per cent of the overall market.

This represents the largest year-on-year percentage increase (35 per cent) of any powertrain, with diesel falling 24.4 per cent and petrol slumping by four per cent.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, highlighted how the UK auto industry had invested "significant amounts" to remain competitive.

This included innovating, decarbonising from "well to wheel", as well as creating greener factories to produce zero emission vehicles across the UK.

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However, Mr Hawes warned that ambition alone could not deliver sustainability, especially at the pace that is desired.

He said: "Manufacturers need faster connections, more low-carbon power and energy costs that are internationally competitive.

"With the right conditions, industry can go faster and further, delivering investment, jobs, economic growth and decarbonisation for generations to come."

The SMMT stated that carmakers were being held back by barriers which included planning, huge upfront costs and grid reinforcements, which can take as long as 15 years.

It outlined that changes to planning permissions and connection waits will help auto manufacturers build more EVs and boost the UK's appeal as a competitive manufacturing location.

In total, 27 zero emission cars and vans are already in UK production or have been announced across some of the largest brands in the world.

UK industrial prices are 115 per cent more expensive than the European average, which has frequently been identified as a key blocker to growth and foreign investment.

A senior Nissan boss, Alan Johnson, told MPs last year that the manufacturer pays more for its electricity at the Sunderland factory than any other Nissan plant in the world.

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