Battery electric cars account for one quarter of UK new car sales in November

Registrations of new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the United Kingdom in November reached 38,581, accounting for just over a quarter of the overall market.

New figures published by the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal that the UK’s overall new car market declined again in November, the second consecutive monthly decline, and the third decline in four months – a result, according to the SMMT, of a market contraction due to “the race to meet tough EV market share targets.”

However, new BEV registrations increased again in November, the eleventh successive month with an increase. Sales of new BEV units were up 58.4 per cent in November, with 38,581 units registered, accounting for 25.1 per cent of the overall market.

However, while this is good news on the face of it, the SMMT highlights the “heavy manufacturer discounting” to the tune of £4 billion ($A7.94 billion) so far this year that has driven the increased uptick of BEV sales.

In fact, even as new BEV sales in 2024 have helped cement the UK as Europe’s second largest new BEV market by volume, closing the gap on Germany, it is managing this feat only through record discounts that the SMMT describes as “unsustainable” and as posing a “risk to future consumer choice and UK economic growth.”

Conversely, even as manufacturers are discounting BEV models to drive sales, the offering of BEVs available in the UK nevertheless reflects long-term manufacturer investment in new models, with the SMMT identifying more than 130 zero emission choices now available to consumers across the country.

Instead of heavy discounts driving sales, the SMMT hopes that “the right, responsive market regulation” would still enable the UK to “hold a commanding position as an exemplar global market for a rapid zero emission transition.”

“Material consumer support from government, along with workable regulation, is essential – as is faster deployment of affordable, accessible and reliable charging infrastructure,” the SMMT said in its November update.

And this combination of support and regulation will be vital if the UK is to meet 2025’s mandated EV target of 28 per cent, with BEV registrations needing to grow by an additional 53 per cent next year.

“Manufacturers are investing at unprecedented levels to bring new zero emission models to market and spending billions on compelling offers,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT CEO.

“Such incentives are unsustainable – industry cannot deliver the UK’s world-leading ambitions alone.

“It is right, therefore, that government urgently reviews the market regulation and the support necessary to drive it, given EV registrations need to rise by over a half next year.

“Ambitious regulation, a bold plan for incentives and accelerated infrastructure rollout are essential for success, else UK jobs, investment and decarbonisation will be at further risk.”

The SMMT also revealed that electric van uptake grew for the second consecutive month after four previous months of decline. Specifically, sales of electric vans amounted to 2,322 units, up 36.7 per cent, thanks in part to the Plug-In Van Grant, which provides a grant of up to 35 per cent of the purchase price, up to a maximum sum of £2,500.