Electric car registrations in the UK had their strongest month of the year in August, with EVs accounting for 1 in 5 new cars registered, a year-over-year increase of 77%.
New figures published by New AutoMotive showed that a total of 16,200 EVs were registered across the UK in August, accounting for 20.8% of all new car registrations.
Hybrid electric vehicles maintain a strong hold on the UK car-buying population, accounting for 28.8% of all new vehicle registrations in August. This in turn means that electrified vehicles accounted for 49.6% of all new vehicle registrations.
Registrations of both petrol and diesel cars fell to “historic lows” according to New AutoMotive, “with registrations of both accounting for the smallest share of new cars in any twelve month period for the last 20 years.”
Electric vans and lorries also had a big August, with 8% of new vans registered in August having no tailpipe, and “a record number of electric [heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)] hitting the UK’s roads.
“It is great to see British motorists embracing clean cars in their thousands,” said Ben Nelmes, New AutoMotive CEO.
“Despite an unprecedented cost of living crisis and rising interest rates, demand for electric cars has remained surprisingly resilient.
“Motorists who go electric don’t look back: they tell us they love the cheaper running costs, smoother driving experience and guilt free travel.
“The government should build on this progress by putting in place a strong California-style Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate to give car companies and EV charger installers certainty. It is almost two years since this policy was first announced; Ministers should stop dragging their feet and put it in law.”
These views were echoed by Greenpeace UK’s policy director, Doug Parr, who took aim at the current Tory Party government.
“Electric cars are selling like hot cakes,” said Parr. “However, with the government deciding to ‘side with motorists’, while pursuing an anti-green agenda, you have to wonder if ministers are foolishly ignoring these soaring sales and instead listening to the vested interests attempting to park EVs’ growth.
“Sunak may say the 2030 petrol and diesel phase out date is immovable, but unless he brings in the overdue mandate on manufacturers to ramp up production in order to meet it, the deadline is likely to be missed.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.