The UK new car market experienced an 11.4 per cent surge last month, primarily fuelled by escalating demand for battery electric vehicles (EVs).
A total of 213,166 new cars were registered, marking a significant increase from 191,316 in June last year and representing the highest June total since 2019, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Registrations of pure battery electric cars jumped by 35.0 per cent, pushing their market share from 24.8 per cent a year ago to 30.0 per cent.
While the SMMT hailed these EV sales figures as "significant," it highlighted that the industry still faces a 33 per cent minimum zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) target for new cars sold by each manufacturer this year, as mandated by the government.
This target predominantly refers to fully electric models.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “June’s performance is very strong, showing EV uptake is growing, with battery electric cars reaching their highest market share this year and more than half of buyers choosing electrified models.
“But even these record levels are still not enough to meet mandated targets.
“Manufacturers are investing billions developing and bringing the vehicles to market – and spending billions more to sell them – yet the market is still not moving fast enough.
“Reforming the mandate now is essential not just to keep the transition on track but to protect the UK’s competitiveness, attract investment and safeguard jobs.”
Ian Plummer, chief customer officer at online vehicle marketplace Autotrader, attributed the growth in EV sales to “intensifying competition and rising consumer interest”.
But he warned that the “wider context” for EVs “remains fragile”, citing “ongoing uncertainty around policy, incentives and wider external pressures”.
Adam Wood, managing director of manufacturer Renault – for which EVs make up 37% of its new car sales, said: “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.
“We are at a tipping point, where stylish, practical and capable EVs are available at appealing prices.”
Delvin Lane, chief executive of ultra-rapid public EV charging operator InstaVolt, said the increase in the market share of new EVs “doesn’t happen without confidence in the charging network”, adding that “there’s never been a better time to make the switch”.
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