Two in five vehicle models in the UK are now available as battery-electric, according to new analysis by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The news illustrates the rapid growth in battery-electric vehicles (BEV)S, rising to more than 130 models across manufacturers, up from 102 last year.
There are also 100 plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and 50 hybrids (HEV) meaning four out of five car models are now available with electrified powertrains.
The average BEV is capable of almost 300 miles on a single charge, which is up from last year’s median of 235 miles. There is now a maximum range available in excess of 480 miles, which is twice the average distance that most drivers travel in a week.
The average PHEV electric-only range is just under 50 miles, with some models able to offer as much as 88 miles of zero emission motoring, while the newest HEVs are able to travel in electric mode, and with zero emissions, at low speeds.
Electrified models now make up 45% of UK new car sales and are available in every segment – from superminis to compact crossovers, luxury saloons and sportscars – and at all price points, with an increasing number of more compact, lower cost BEVs coming to market.
BEVs now hold a 20.4% share of the UK new car market, up from 16.9% a year ago, but despite this growth, demand is still below the government target of 28% this year.
Therefore, the sector has called for more incentives to drive demand, including halving of VAT on new EV purchases, a move which could put 267,000 additional new EVs on the road, scrapping or amending the VED Expensive Car Supplement, and equalising VAT paid on public charging to 5%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“There’s never been a better time to go electric – with more choice, better vehicle range and improving infrastructure offering a compelling driving proposition.
“But the market still isn’t moving fast enough so bold support for consumer EV uptake – notably investment in incentives and infrastructure – is needed to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and make switching open to all drivers.”
Industry reaction:
Fiona Howarth, Founder | Director, Octopus Electric Vehicles:
“Consumers have such a huge choice of electric car now – with over 100 available, following a surge of affordable models being launched. With battery prices plummeting, amazing tech, and low running costs – the trend is clear. Our research shows once people switch to electric, 96% would never go back.”
Simon Smith, Chief Commercial Officer, InstaVolt:
“News that the automakers are fully committed to electrification is no surprise, the direction of travel is clear and gives us increased confidence to keep deploying world class charging infrastructure across the UK, just like our Winchester Superhub. This is exactly the kind of signal the industry needs right now, having invested huge amounts of private capital into charging.”
Image from Shutterstock
