The UK automotive sector made significant progress on sustainability in 2025, increasing renewable energy generation, improving manufacturing efficiency and accelerating electric vehicle adoption. This report explores progress towards net zero, circular economy practices, sustainable manufacturing and workforce development across the industry.
Key Findings from the Automotive Sustainability Report 2026
- More than 93% of automotive production waste was reused or recycled in 2025.
- More than 470,000 battery electric cars were registered in the UK.
- UK consumers could choose from more than 160 battery electric vehicle models.
- Automotive manufacturers increased investment in on-site renewable energy generation.
- Apprenticeship and trainee numbers exceeded 6,000 roles across the sector.
- Industry and government continued to work together to support competitiveness, investment and the transition to zero-emission mobility.
Automotive Sustainability in the UK
The UK automotive sector continues to make progress towards a more sustainable future through investment, innovation and collaboration. Despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges, manufacturers are reducing environmental impacts while supporting economic growth, highly skilled jobs and the transition to net zero mobility. The report highlights how sustainability is becoming increasingly embedded across the automotive value chain.
Progress Towards Net Zero Vehicle Manufacturing
Automotive manufacturers continue to invest in cleaner production processes and renewable energy generation to reduce emissions from vehicle manufacturing. The report highlights growing adoption of sustainable production technologies and the role that competitive energy costs, investment and supportive policy frameworks will play in accelerating progress towards net zero.
Circular Economy and Automotive Recycling
Resource efficiency remains a key pillar of automotive sustainability. Manufacturers are reducing waste, improving material efficiency and adopting circular economy principles across their operations. More than 93% of automotive production waste is now reused or recycled, helping minimise environmental impact while supporting more sustainable manufacturing practices.
Electric Vehicle Adoption and Carbon Reduction
The transition to zero emission mobility continued to gain momentum in 2025. More than 470,000 battery electric cars were registered in the UK, while consumers benefited from an expanding choice of electric vehicle models. Continued investment in vehicle technology and infrastructure will help support further carbon reduction in road transport.
Sustainable Automotive Supply Chains
Creating more sustainable and resilient supply chains is vital to the transition towards net zero. The report highlights the importance of collaboration across the automotive value chain to improve resource efficiency, support investment and strengthen competitiveness in an increasingly complex global operating environment.
