Are electric cars a viable solution for reducing emissions and transport costs?

UK transport accounts for 27% of national emissions, with road vehicles the largest source. Electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions but lifecycle CO2 depends on manufacturing (high for batteries) and grid electricity, where gas fills intermittency gaps. EV running costs average 5-10p per mile at home charging versus 15-20p for petrol, though public charging and winter range loss can equalise or exceed; sales hit 33% BEV in Dec 2025 but market share dipped to 21% amid high upfront prices and infrastructure limits.