The number of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) registered in Milton Keynes has significantly increased over the past year, reflecting a growing trend in eco-friendly transportation. According to the Department for Transport, there were 96,143 ULEVs registered in the city as of June 2025, marking a remarkable 54 percent rise from the 62,264 recorded in the previous year.
ULEVs are defined by the Vehicle Certification Agency as vehicles emitting less than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometre from the tailpipe. This category includes both pure electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids when used in electric mode. Within this growing number, 73,915 were battery electric vehicles, while the remaining included 332 plug-in hybrids powered by diesel, 21,052 powered by petrol, and 844 relying on other fuel types.
National Trends in ULEV Adoption
On a national scale, the UK also saw a significant increase in ULEV registrations, rising from 1.85 million in June 2024 to 2.5 million in June 2025, which is a 34 percent increase. This growth means that ULEVs now account for 5.8 percent of the total 42 million vehicles registered across the country. Of these, approximately 65 percent are battery EVs, while 30 percent are petrol-powered plug-in hybrids, 0.4 percent are diesel plug-in hybrids, and 4 percent utilize other fuel types.
Climate advocate Sandra Bell, representing Friends of the Earth, expressed optimism regarding the rise in electric vehicles. She stated, “The increase in EVs is extremely welcome and needs to continue at pace to cut air pollution as well as tackle climate change.” Bell emphasized the necessity for equitable access to EVs, pointing out that the high upfront costs and limited charging infrastructure remain significant barriers. She urged policymakers to prioritise these issues, noting that while some measures were included in the recent climate plan, more attention is required to enhance affordability and improve regional charging availability.
Government Support for Electric Vehicle Adoption
Recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders indicates that electric vehicle sales reached a record high in October 2025. In response to these figures, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander commented on the increasing confidence among families to transition to electric vehicles. She highlighted that over 30,000 individuals have benefited from the government’s Electric Car Grant, which has facilitated significant savings on EV purchases. With public charging points now exceeding 83,000 and initiatives to support home charger installations, Alexander noted that the government is making strides to ease the path for families considering the switch to electric transportation.
As the trend toward ultra-low emission vehicles continues to grow, the developments in Milton Keynes reflect broader national efforts toward sustainable transport solutions. The commitment from both government and environmental groups will play a crucial role in ensuring that electric vehicle adoption remains accessible and effective in addressing the pressing challenges of air pollution and climate change.
