The average age of cars on UK roads has reached a record high

EnvironmentCars
6 Aug 2025 • 5:19 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The average age of cars on UK roads has reached a record high of nearly 10 years, according to research by the RAC Foundation.
  • This figure, standing at nine years and 10 months at the end of last year, marks a significant increase from seven years and five months recorded in 2015.
  • While improved build-quality allows modern cars to last longer, this trend is considered 'bad news for the environment' as it slows the transition to electric vehicles.
  • Petrol cars have the oldest average age at 10 years and four months, in contrast to battery electric cars which are typically just two years and six months old.
  • The RAC Foundation warns that a tenfold increase in battery electric cars is required by 2030 to meet emission reduction targets, necessitating a substantial effort.

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