In a surprising turn of events, electric vehicle (EV) sales in the UK saw a significant uptick in August, defying the overall downward trend in the automotive market. According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), EV registrations rose by 10.8% to 19,100 units, accounting for 22.6% of all new car registrations last month. This surge in EV sales comes at a time when the broader car market experienced a slight decline, with overall new car sales falling by 1.3% to 84,500 units.
The strong performance of electric vehicles in August marks the highest monthly proportion of EV sales since December 2022, when Tesla flooded the market with its year-end push. Industry experts attribute this growth to several factors, including price cuts, stock clearances ahead of the September registration plate change, and ongoing incentives for fleet and business buyers.
However, it’s worth noting that August is traditionally a slow month for car sales, and the year-to-date figures paint a more modest picture, with EVs representing 17.2% of total sales. Despite the positive August results, the SMMT warns that the UK is still on track to miss its government-mandated targets for EV adoption. The zero-emission vehicle mandate stipulates that 22% of cars sold by manufacturers in 2024 must be electric, or they face fines.
Current projections suggest the market will fall short by nearly 70,000 units, reaching only 18.5% of total sales by year-end. The challenges facing widespread EV adoption remain significant, with affordability and charging infrastructure concerns topping the list for many potential buyers. SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes emphasised the need for urgent action to address these issues and encourage mass-market shift towards electric vehicles. As the industry gears up for the introduction of the new 74 plate in September, along with a range of manufacturer offers and discounts, all eyes will be on the autumn sales figures to gauge true market demand for electric vehicles in the UK.
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