The figures show the overall new car market rose 11.4 percent in June to 213,166 units, the best performance for the month since 2019, with growth recorded across private, fleet and business channels.
More than half of all new cars registered in June were electrified, with plug-in hybrids taking a 12.5 percent share and hybrids 14.0 percent, alongside the record BEV performance. Year to date, BEVs account for 25.0 percent of the market – itself a record.
“The recent oil price crisis has added significant further impetus to the EV market, underlining one of the key benefits of making the switch; affordability” said Adam Wood, Managing Director of Renault, which has recorded a 37 percent share of EV sales this year off the back of successful launches of the Renault 4 and Renault 5. “We are at a tipping point, where stylish, practical and capable EVs are available at appealing prices, and with fuel cost savings that we estimate to be £650 a year on average, buyers can now make the switch with their head and heart.”
While SMMT has used the figures to renew its call for reform of the mandate, citing the cost of compliance and the more than £12 billion in manufacturer discounts deployed to drive uptake, industry leaders working across charging infrastructure, vehicle retail and EV advocacy point to the headline number – one in three new cars now fully electric – as firm evidence that the transition has moved decisively into the mainstream.
“June's data shows that electric cars are rapidly becoming the mainstream choice for British drivers” added Ben Nelmes, CEO at New AutoMotive. “With one in three new cars registered in June being fully electric, motorists are switching at an extraordinary pace. As petrol and diesel sales continue their steady, structural decline, it's clear that drivers are voting with their wallets. EVs offer families and businesses lower and predictable running costs, a superior driving experience, and an escape from the volatile global oil markets
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