The rapid growth of electric vehicles has continued despite the pandemic, new figures suggest.
The data for September 2020 compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows that pure EVs (BEVs) have increased from 7,704 in 2019 to 21,903 this year – an increase of 183%.
Additionally Plug-in Hybrids have also more than doubled from 5,197 to 12,400 registrations in September 2020 – growth of more than 138%.
The biggest increase was in the Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) sector – cars with internal combustion engines and electric machines but not electric-only propulsion. Petrol MHEVs grew 422% year-on-year from 5,819 to 30,382 and diesel MHEVs grew 66% from 8,101 to 13,484.
Meanwhile, ICE vehicles continued to decline with 20% less petrol cars registered in 2020 compared to September 2019 and 38% less diesel vehicles.
Overall the market declined by 4% year on year from 343,255 to 328,041 vehicles registered in September.
