With the arrival of a new yearly number plate typically seeing new car registration figures rise in the UK in September, this year was no different. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicate that 99,199 new fully-electric cars were registered in the month, a record high for September and a 36.3% year-on-year increase.
EV registrations hit their highest September figure yet
The latest figures continue the trend we’ve seen all year in the UK of continually rising EV registrations. In August, for instance, EVs made up an impressive 30% of all new car registrations. For September, EVs accounted for 28.3% of total registrations, coming out ahead of hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and diesels.
It’s now clear that schemes such as the government’s Electric Car Grant, which give up to £3,750 off the purchase price of an eligible EV, are making a positive impact on EV sales and registrations within the country. The 170-plus fully electric models on sale is also giving drivers bigger EV choice than ever, across all price segments.
The September figures indicate that over 450,000 new electric cars have been registered so far this year. Looking into the future, the ZEV mandate is subject to change. Previously, it targeted that 80% of new cars registered by 2030 must be fully electric, but this could change with a consultation currently underway. However, the government has stated that the longer-term 2035 goal of 100% zero-emission car and van sales remains in place.
The industry reacts to the figures
Melanie Lane, CEO at Pod, commented:
“We’ve been saying for a long time that drivers recognise the economics of going electric and that consumer demand is taking off. Now every month the figures demonstrate that story, with EV registrations up 36% on last September’s plate change.
It’s no coincidence that this comes as diesel hits £2 a litre for the first time. There’s nothing positive about households and businesses facing those costs, but it makes the case for owning an EV stronger than ever now costs are not only lower, but more predictable and easier to manage. It should also help illustrate to Government that we need to accelerate electrification to help UK consumers, rather than risk slowing it down by watering down the ZEV mandate.”
Shane Brennan, Chief Executive Officer at ChargeUK, said:
“These numbers are hugely positive for the entire automotive sector. September is crunch time for car registrations and consumers have spoken — high petrol and diesel prices are motivating them to choose EVs in droves. This should put paid to the idea that the government’s EV sales targets need any adjustment. If anything, once you consider the flexibilities car sellers have been given they look under ambitious.
One flexibility that should seriously concern government however is the allowance for car sellers to overcount the emissions reduction benefits of plug-in hybrids. They have grown dramatically as importers exploit our weaker rules. It is increasingly apparent drivers and government are being mis-sold on their charging capability, carbon impact and fuel-savings. The reality is a full electric is the best choice for drivers looking for a cleaner, cheaper to run vehicle.”
