Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) growth has continued with new registrations up by more than half, representing 15.4% of the market, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
BEVs continue to be the second most popular fuel type – representing 20,522 vehicles in April – with plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) also posting strong growth, up a third. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) recorded a 7.7% increase to 15,026 units.
The UK new car market recorded its ninth successive month of growth in April, with an 11.6% increase to reach 132,990 registrations. As a result, electrified vehicles accounted for more than one in three registrations in April. Growth is expected to meet a market share of 18.4% by the end of the year with registrations of BEVs hitting 22.6% in 2024 – only slightly down on previous estimates.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “To ensure all drivers can benefit from electric vehicles, we need everyone – government, local authorities, energy companies and charging providers – to accelerate their investment in the transition and bolster consumer confidence in making the switch.”
Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder and COO of Zapmap, said: “There is a danger that bemoaning a lack of charging infrastructure becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy on softening EV sales. The truth is that chargers continue to roll-out at pace. April was a record for new installs with more than 2,000 added to the public network and the number of high-powered chargers has grown by 88% since last year. And even with rising energy prices EV drivers are still choosing to switch to electric to save money on running costs.”
Welcoming the figures, Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), said: “Franchised Dealers with their Electric Vehicle Approved (“EVA”) accreditation are working hard to help customers navigate the challenges of this growing market and address any queries, concerns they may have as we move to an electric future.”
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