EV sales grow by 150% in July

2,271 battery electric cars were sold in July, a 158% increase on the same month last year, according to the latest Society of Motor Traders and Manufacturers (SMMT) figures.

It means battery electric car now holds a 1.4% market share compared to 0.5% last year.

Hybrid electric cars increased by 34.2%, with 7,758 joining UK roads. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles continued their recent decline, down -49.6%.

Registrations of diesel vehicles fell for the 28th month, down -22.1%, while petrol remained stable, with 2,646 more registrations than in July 2018.

SMMT is predicting 51,000 new battery electric registrations in 2020, increasing the market share to 2.2%. However, they have called on the government to bring in ‘world-class, long-term incentives, supportive policies and substantial investment in infrastructure.’

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: ‘Despite yet another month of decline in the new car market, it’s encouraging to see substantial growth in zero emission vehicles.

‘Thanks to manufacturers’ investment in these new technologies over many years, these cars are coming to market in greater numbers than ever before.

‘If the UK is to meet its environmental ambitions, however, government must create the right conditions to drive uptake, including long-term incentives and investment in infrastructure.

‘The fastest way to address air quality concerns is through fleet renewal so buyers need to be given the confidence to invest in the new, cleaner vehicles that best suit their driving needs, regardless of how they are powered’

Last month, the government unveiled plans that will see EV charge points built on every new UK home or office with a car parking space.

The UK would be the first government in the world to introduce the legislation, which it says will make charging easier, cheaper and more convenient for drivers.