Rapid Growth of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Guernsey: A Look at the Numbers and Future Outlook
The Rise of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Guernsey
In recent years, the number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the roads of Guernsey has been steadily increasing. According to recent statistics, in 2020, there were a total of 758 electric vehicles in circulation, a number that has since grown to 2,133 by the end of 2023. Similarly, the number of hybrid vehicles has also seen a significant increase, rising from 695 to 1,885 during the same period.
Anita Walker, the operations manager for the States, highlighted the growth in electric and hybrid vehicles on the island, noting that the number of electric motorcycles has more than doubled since 2020, and the number of private electric vehicles has more than tripled. In fact, private electric and hybrid vehicles now make up a third of the island’s annual car registrations.
The increase in electric and hybrid vehicles in Guernsey is part of a larger trend across Europe. In 2022, Guernsey was ranked equal with Switzerland in seventh place for the highest percentage of electric vehicles, with 3.2% of private vehicles believed to be in circulation being electric. This puts the island on track to potentially become a fully electric island by 2050.
Local car dealerships have also seen a surge in interest in electric vehicles. Le Mont Saint, for example, has had great success with its Fiat 500 electric range, selling over 200 electric cars since the launch in 2021. According to joint managing director Peter Beausire, the dealership is struggling to keep up with demand for electric cars, with many customers making the switch from petrol to electric vehicles.
Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles, Mr. Beausire highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, particularly in terms of charging availability in Town. He emphasized the importance of expanding the charging network to support the increasing number of electric vehicles on the roads.
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles in Guernsey is a positive step towards reducing emissions and combating climate change. With continued support and investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, Guernsey could indeed become a fully electric island by 2050.