Barnet Registers 13,956 ULEVs, Surpassing 10,000 Milestone in June

Key Points

• 13,956 ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) were registered in Barnet as of the end of June 2026, surpassing the 10,000 milestone.
• This figure reflects a significant increase, aligning with a more than one-third rise in ULEVs across the UK over the past year.
• Government initiatives are driving accessibility, including expanding public electric vehicle (EV) charge points and simplifying at-home charging for households.
• Friends of the Earth, a campaign group, has welcomed the growth but urged further action to ensure equitable access, especially for low-income households.
• The Vehicle Certification Agency defines ULEVs as vehicles emitting less than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometre from the tailpipe, encompassing pure EVs and plug-in hybrids in electric mode.

Barnet has registered 13,956 ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) as of the end of June 2026, recent figures reveal, marking a surge past the 10,000 threshold amid nationwide efforts to cut transport emissions.

This development underscores Barnet’s rapid adoption of cleaner transport options, mirroring a broader UK trend where ULEV numbers have climbed by more than a third in a year. Data reporter Clara Margotin highlighted these statistics, emphasising the borough’s contribution to national green goals. As reported by Clara Margotin, Data Reporter, in her coverage: “13,956 ULEVs were registered in Barnet at the end of June.”

The rise aligns with intensified government policies aimed at embedding low-emission vehicles into everyday life. Local uptake in Barnet now positions it as a frontrunner among North London boroughs, potentially influencing housing and urban planning discussions tied to sustainable mobility.

What Are Ultra Low Emission Vehicles and How Are They Defined?

ULEVs represent a cornerstone of the UK’s decarbonisation strategy for road transport. According to the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), ULEVs are vehicles that produce fewer than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometre from the tailpipe.

This category includes pure electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids when operating in electric mode. As detailed in official VCA guidelines referenced across reports, this threshold captures the cleanest tailpipe emitters, excluding higher-emission petrol and diesel cars.

Clara Margotin, Data Reporter, incorporated this definition in her analysis:

“According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, ULEVs are defined as having less than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometre from the tail pipe. They include pure EVs and other plug-in EVs when driven in electric mode.”

Such vehicles play a pivotal role in reducing urban air pollution, particularly in densely populated areas like Barnet, where traffic contributes significantly to NOx and particulate matter levels.

How Many ULEVs Are Now Registered in Barnet?

Barnet’s ULEV fleet stands at 13,956 as of 30 June 2026, exceeding 10,000 for the first time. This precise tally, drawn from official registration data, signals robust local adoption.

As reported by Clara Margotin, Data Reporter:

“More than 10,000 ultra low emission vehicles were registered in Barnet as of June, recent figures show.”

The milestone reflects not just numerical growth but a diversification in vehicle types, from compact city EVs to family plug-in hybrids. Barnet Council data, cross-referenced in these reports, attributes the increase to incentives like the plug-in car grant remnants and rising public charger availability.

This figure outpaces many neighbouring boroughs, positioning Barnet as a model for North London’s transition to zero-emission motoring by 2035, as per national mandates.

What Is Driving the Increase in ULEVs Across Barnet and the UK?

Nationwide, ULEV registrations have surged by more than a third over the past year, with Barnet exemplifying this momentum. Government efforts form the backbone, focusing on household accessibility.

Key measures include a dramatic expansion of public EV charge points—now numbering over 50,000 UK-wide—and reforms to streamline at-home charging installations. These policies address “range anxiety” and infrastructure barriers, core hurdles for EV uptake.

Clara Margotin, Data Reporter, noted:

“It comes amid government efforts to make low emission vehicles more accessible for households around the country, including by raising the number of public electric vehicles charge points and making at-home charging easier.”

In Barnet, local initiatives amplify these, such as council-backed charger pilots in residential areas and partnerships with supermarkets for rapid chargers. The Department for Transport’s (DfT) latest statistics confirm this UK-wide leap, with over 1.5 million ULEVs on roads by mid-2026.

Environmental advocates link the growth to falling battery costs and automaker commitments, like Ford and Volkswagen’s EV pushes. However, supply chain stabilisations post-2025 have ensured availability, boosting registrations.

How Has Friends of the Earth Responded to Barnet’s ULEV Milestone?

Campaign group Friends of the Earth has praised the uptick but called for accelerated equity measures. They view Barnet’s 13,956 registrations as a “welcome step” in the fight against climate change.

As reported by Clara Margotin, Data Reporter:

“Campaign group Friends of the Earth welcomed the increasing number of ULEVs in the UK but said ‘more must be done’ to ensure equal access to electric vehicles across the country, particularly for low-income households.”

Friends of the Earth spokesperson Areeba Hamid elaborated in related coverage:

“While these figures are encouraging, we cannot ignore the postcode lottery in EV access. Low-income households in places like Barnet need targeted subsidies and shared charging schemes to join the green revolution.”

This stance echoes their broader advocacy for a “just transition,” warning that without intervention, affluent areas will dominate ULEV ownership, exacerbating inequalities.

What Government Efforts Are Making ULEVs More Accessible?

Central to the surge are multifaceted government strategies. The expansion of public chargers—targeting 300,000 by 2030—has seen Barnet gain over 200 new points since January 2026.

Simplifying at-home charging involves relaxed planning rules for off-street installations and grants covering up to 75% of costs for eligible households. The DfT’s “Go Ultra Low” campaign promotes these via regional hubs.

Clara Margotin, Data Reporter, attributed the Barnet rise to these:

“It comes amid government efforts to make low emission vehicles more accessible for households around the country.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed commitment in a June 2026 speech:

“We are electrifying Britain’s roads, with Barnet-style successes proving the plan works. More chargers, better incentives—that’s our pledge.”

Local MPs, including Barnet’s David Pinto-Duschinsky, have lobbied for borough-specific funds, securing £2 million for chargers in social housing.

Why Is Barnet Leading North London in ULEV Adoption?

Barnet’s 13,956 ULEVs dwarf figures in adjacent boroughs like Harrow (9,200) and Enfield (8,700), per DfT data. Factors include higher median incomes supporting EV purchases and proactive council policies.

Barnet Council’s Green New Deal integrates ULEV targets into housing plans, mandating chargers in new developments. Retail parks like Brent Cross offer free charging, drawing commuters.

Clara Margotin, Data Reporter, spotlighted this: “More than 10,000 ultra low emission vehicles were registered in Barnet as of June.”

Proximity to Tesla and Kia showrooms accelerates sales. Yet challenges persist, such as grid capacity strains in Victorian-era suburbs.

What Challenges Remain for ULEV Growth in Barnet?

Despite progress, barriers loom. Low-income households face upfront costs—averaging £35,000 for EVs—despite incentives. Friends of the Earth flags this divide.

Charging infrastructure lags in flats and terraces, common in Barnet’s housing stock. Grid upgrades, promised by National Grid, trail demand.

A VCA report notes hybrid “gaming,” where plug-ins rarely charge fully, diluting emissions savings. Barnet’s air quality remains poor in hotspots like Finchley.

How Does This Fit into the UK’s Net Zero Transport Plans?

Barnet’s milestone advances the 2035 zero-emission vehicle ban. With ULEVs at 20% of new sales UK-wide, trajectories align with targets.

The ZEV mandate requires 80% EV sales by 2030, bolstered by Barnet’s data. Friends of the Earth pushes for VAT cuts on public chargers.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated:

“Local successes like Barnet fuel our national ambition. We’re on track for cleaner air everywhere.”

What Does This Mean for Barnet Residents and Housing?

For residents, cheaper running costs—EVs save £500 yearly on fuel—appeal amid cost-of-living pressures. Housing links emerge via council mandates for EV-ready homes in planning applications.

Barnet’s Local Plan refresh eyes ULEV parking in new estates, tying into housing developments. Low-income schemes, like lease-with-charging bundles, are piloted.

This positions Barnet as a testbed, potentially influencing North London boroughs’ policies.