EV sales predicted to surpass petrol in 2021

If the current trends in car sales continue, the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) could overtake petrol and diesel sales by this time next year, according to research conducted by Mercury Car Centre. 

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) has revealed that in September 2020 diesel sales were down by 38.4% and petrol sales were down by 20.9%. 

In comparison, EV and hybrid sales were up by a dramatic 139%. 

However, despite this growth total petrol sales still surpassed EV and hybrid sales by 72,491 vehicles. 

According to Mercury Car Centre, if the sale of petrol vehicles falls continues to fall by the same amount as it has this year, petrol cars could be off the market in just four years.

The data also revealed that battery-powered EVs, which use no fuel, were the most popular electric car sold in 2020. 

Battery EV sales were up 184%, whereas hybrid EV sales were up just 55%. 

Based on these trends, Mercury cars have predicted that EV sales could be accelerated much faster than expected.

Neil Hutchinson, chairman of Mercury Cars, said: ‘The shift to electric cars is a significant part of reducing the country’s carbon emissions so data from this year shows a promising trend.

‘With Brexit approaching and the 2030 deadline, the UK will need to be ready to ramp up demand for electric cars in the next few years to maintain this trajectory.’

In related news, research by Money Barn has revealed that the North East of England has the most EV charge points per vehicle and the West Midlands has the least.

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