Electric car sales continue to break records as new data shows a 28 per cent year-on-year growth as Britons move away from petrol and diesel vehicles.
Research from New AutoMotive shows that 31,519 new electric cars were registered in May, making up almost 22 per cent of the total market share of new vehicles.
The growing appetite for electric cars is clear, with more than 175,000 new EVs being registered so far this year, up 29 per cent compared to last year.
Sales of other electric vehicles have also increased year-on-year, with vans (47.3 per cent), motorbikes (10.1 per cent) and HGVs (6.7 per cent) all gaining popularity.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Electric car sales continue to thrive, as drivers turn their backs on petrol and diesel vehicles
GETTY
The data, from May's Electric Car Count, reports that the sale of conventional petrol vehicles is falling consistently, and quicker than New AutoMotive's expectations.
It also forecasts that BMW or Volkswagen could see their electric vehicle sales overtake Tesla in the UK this year, or even as early as next month.
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, said consumers were increasingly choosing zero emission vehicles, with sales figures accelerating at pace.
He noted that the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate was "clearly working", with manufacturers being encouraged by positive sales records for new electric vehicles.
The expert added: "The strong growth in the electric van sector is also incredibly encouraging, as businesses reap the rewards of lower running costs and reduced emissions.
"This sustained momentum is vital for achieving the UK's net zero ambitions and improving air quality across the country."
The sale of new petrol cars fell by a significant 23.6 per cent, while drivers continue to turn their backs on diesel vehicles, as sales drop 1.9 per cent.
Nine brands have seen an impressive 100 per cent surge in electric car sales, including Peugeot, Skoda, Ford, BYD, Renault, Polestar, Cupa and Mini.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Blue Badge abuse at crisis level as 52 drivers fight for one parking space as offenders face £1,000 fine
- Revolutionary electric car charging breakthrough allows drivers to swap batteries in just 100 seconds
- Congestion Charge hikes and Rachel Reeves' car taxes could push drivers to stop using London roads
Fiona Howarth, Founder of Octopus Electric Vehicles, said: "We've seen yet another strong month for EVs - proving that people want to drive electric.
"There has been a clear shift in the market, with car manufacturers new and old bringing out new, cheaper models every month - improving driver choice and helping to make the switch to cleaner, low-cost driving."
Tesla, BYD, Volkswagen, Geely and BMW all have the largest ZEV credit surplus for having electric cars make up a substantial portion of their total vehicle sales.
On the other end of the spectrum, Nissan, Stellantis, Toyota, Tata, Mazda and Hyundai have the largest ZEV credit shortfall.
Tesla, which is launching the new Model Y in the coming weeks, has the largest ZEV credit surplus
TESLAAfter Prime Minister Keir Starmer eased the terms of the ZEV mandate, manufacturers could now face a £12,000 fine for failing to sell enough electric cars, rather than a £15,000 fine.
New AutoMotive predicts that as the year progresses and manufacturers adjust strategies, more electric vehicles will be sold, especially as the threat of fines grows.
FairCharge founder Quentin Willson said the UK was a European leader in electric car sales, but called on the Government to provide more support for drivers to get their hands on EVs.
Similarly, Dan Caesar, CEO of EVUK, said: "While the UK was the biggest BEV market (by volume) in Europe in 2024, we can ill afford to rest on our laurels, and ambitious automakers will expect to see an overarching strategy that accelerates growth in short order."
Most Read
