The number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the UK has jumped from over 700,000 in 2021, to a predicted 1 million this month. That’s an incredible leap and a sign that EVs are at the forefront of conscious consumer minds, but how can we make sure they are as eco as possible?
One of the major pulls of EVs is their proven lower environmental impact, compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles. Just one EV on the road, in place of a diesel or petrol car, saves an average of 1500kg in CO2 emissions every year – the same as four return flights from London to Barcelona. Multiply this by one million and the authentic climate action in progress is clear to see.
The government’s target is for 80% of new cars and 70% of new commercial vans sold in Great Britain to be zero emission (fully electric) by 2030. This is set to increase to 100% by 2035. Such a huge shift over from petrol and diesel cars to their electric alternatives will create a positive environmental impact, but there are ways to further support fossil fuel-less vehicles even more.
But what about upping the eco factor of EVs? Is owning one not enough? Well, no. Simply put, for EVs to be as cost-effective and environmentally friendly as they can be, we need more green electricity in the grid so that they can all charge on sustainable sources. The only way to do this is to build more renewable energy projects and that’s exactly what Ripple wants to do.
Is there good and bad electricity?
Where electricity comes from plays a major role in determining its environmental impact. Currently, around 40% of the UK’s electricity comes from a mix of renewable sources, mostly wind and solar. This means that the rest comes from nuclear energy and the burning of fossil fuels and imports.
When you use your electricity plays an important part, too – most EV drivers plug in their car overnight. It’s called Smart Charging, meaning the electricity you’re using is more likely to come from renewable sources because there’s less demand on the grid.
Fossil fuels are the primary cause of climate change. According to the UN, they contribute around 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions and a staggering 90% of CO2 emissions, both of which are allowing global warming to creep towards irreversible levels. To take meaningful climate action we must move away from fossil fuels quickly, which is where large-scale and accessible renewable energy projects come in.
Wind farms and solar parks can be built in the UK to finally cut our reliance on fossil fuels while also ‘greening’ the grid and providing consumers with cheaper, responsible energy.
Real climate action
By owning part of a large-scale wind farm or solar park, you directly contribute to the creation of a new renewable energy project, which will help to green the UK power grid.
Ripple enables you to own as much of the renewable project as you need to cover your household and EV energy consumption. What’s more, your Ripple ownership can work alongside specialised EV green tariffs, if our supply partners offer them. As a Ripple member, you’ll have the reassurance that what you pay your electricity supplier results in real additionality of green electricity to the UK grid. And, that your EV is doing good even when it’s sat at home, on charge.
Already have rooftop solar?
Don’t count yourself out of a Ripple project if you already have rooftop solar! Owning part of an off-site wind farm or solar park increases your green energy generation even further by supporting your current generation. This will be invaluable if your household welcomes another electric vehicle, or even if you just have a period of higher-than-usual energy consumption. Shared ownership of a renewable energy source is a simple way to ensure your consumption needs are always met.
Ripple enables thousands of electric vehicle drivers to take pride in knowing their miles are powered by truly green energy. Reserve your space in our next project for just £25 and take your positive climate action–and bill savings–to the next level.
