Electric vehicles could account for 5% of the UK’s total power demand by 2030, raising concerns over whether energy capacity can keep up.
With the government pushing for 80% of new car sales to be electric, analysts at Montel warn that the grid faces an uphill battle to meet rising demand.
According to the National Electricity System Operator (NESO) , EVs could add 17.12 TWh to the grid by 2029—up from just 7.05 TWh in 2025.
While renewable energy expansion is expected to handle much of the load, industry experts are sceptical that the UK’s energy infrastructure can grow quickly enough to keep pace.
Senior energy analyst Fintan Devenney says meeting the 80% EV goal is possible “if everyone steps up their game” but warns that “it’s going to require everything that could possibly go wrong to go right”.
The UK plans to nearly triple offshore wind capacity by 2030 to help power the transition, yet some industry voices remain unconvinced. Brian Gregory, policy director at the Alliance of British Drivers, argues that unreliable renewables could lead to grid instability and shortages.
With £2 billion earmarked for EV manufacturing and £300 million for adoption schemes, the government is betting big on electrification.
However, the success of this transition says Montel, will depend on swift action, strategic planning and coordinated efforts across the energy sector.