Comment on electric vehicle sales figures

Commenting on data from New Automotive showing new electric vehicle (EV) sales recording their highest ever market share in the UK in December [1], and with the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) expected to publish similar data shortly, Colin Walker, Transport Lead at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said: “For EVs to account for over 1 in 3 new car sales in December is seriously impressive, suggesting that drivers are increasingly attracted by the benefits that come from EV ownership. ECIU’s own analysis has found that EVs remain three times cheaper to fuel than their petrol equivalents, and allow owners to save thousands of pounds in ownership costs over the course of a vehicle’s lifetime. [2]

“Rather than being a flash in the fan, this impressive growth in EV uptake needs to become the norm. The Government could achieve this by setting car manufacturers ambitious targets for the percentage of new cars that they sell that are electric – otherwise known as a ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) Mandate.

“Current Government proposals for a mandate would require 22% of new cars sold in 2024 to be electric – but since sales are already far past this point, this target will need to be strengthened significantly to have any impact.

“An ambitious mandate provides markets with clarity - incentivising companies to roll out the charging infrastructure that drivers need and invest in the supply chain, such as battery factories, that the UK requires if it is to avoid losing its status as a major car manufacturer.

“A mandate would also speed up the development of a healthy second-hand car market, ensuring that the benefits and savings that come from EV ownership are made accessible to lower-income households”.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Highest ever EV market share -Year Review & December 2022: https://newautomotive.org/blog/electric-car-count-december-2022
2. ECIU: New analysis – ahead of petrol price hikes, EVs already three and a half times cheaper to run: https://eciu.net/media/press-releases/2022/new-analysis-ahead-of-petrol-price-hikes-evs-already-three-and-a-half-times-cheaper-to-run

For more information:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net