Battery electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries reached a record monthly high of 46,626 in March, representing growth of 18.6% and one-in-three vehicle registrations overall.
The figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed the BEV market share remained similar to 2022 at 16.2% – with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) registrations growing by 11.8% and plug-in registrations comprised 22.4% of the market. The biggest growth was in hybrids (HEVs), increasing by more than a third (34.3%).
The news follows the consultation of a Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate – due to come into force in less than nine months – which would accelerate the market for BEV and other zero-tailpipe vehicles ever further.
Overall, UK new car registrations in March bounced back by 18.2% with a total of 287,825 units delivered, the eighth consecutive month of growth for the new car market. As a result, the first quarter of 2023 is the strongest since 2019, with just under half a million new cars joining the road.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “March’s new plate month usually sets the tone for the year so this performance will give the industry and consumers greater confidence. With eight consecutive months of growth, the automotive industry is recovering, bucking wider trends and supporting economic growth.
“The best month ever for zero emission vehicles is reflective of increased consumer choice and improved availability but if EV market ambitions – and regulation – are to be met, infrastructure investment must catch up.”
