According to new figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the UK new car market grew 23.5% in November to 142,889 registered units in the fourth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Once again electric vehicle registrations boomed, and along with company cars, helped the overall growth.
Newly registered battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were up 35.2% to represent more than one in five new cars (20.6%) with 28,372 units delivered. This was up from 21,726 in November 2021 and is the largest monthly share of BEVs this year. This is an impressive figure and shows that the transition to electric cars is continuing to grip the nation.
So far this year 224,919 zero emissions electric vehicles have been delivered. This compares to 163,022 for the same period last year and accounts for a 38% increase year-on-year. What’s also positive is that the Tesla Model Y, the brand’s electric sports utility vehicle, was the second best seller of all cars during November.
Measures that boost motorists’ confidence in electric vehicles (EVs), including a fiscal framework that encourages EV adoption and targets to speed up the provision of charging infrastructure, will help to ensure uptake is in line with the UK’s green goals, particularly as the ambitious Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate comes into effect.
Conversely, plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) registrations fell by 5.7%, making up 7.1% of the market. As a result, some 39,558 new plug-ins were registered, representing more than one in four (27.7%) new cars joining UK roads in November.
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), meanwhile, rose by 66.9% to 11.2% of the market. This has been driven by fleet operators looking for flexibility and emissions reductions.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Recovery for Britain’s new car market is back within our grasp, energised by electrified vehicles and the sector’s resilience in the face of supply and economic challenges.
“As the sector looks to ensure that growth is sustainable for the long term, urgent measures are required – not least a fair approach to driving EV adoption that recognises these vehicles remain more expensive and measures to compel investment in a charging network that is built ahead of need.
“By doing so we can encourage consumer appetite across the country and accelerate the UK’s journey to net zero.”
