The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has released its latest statistics of UK new car registrations for August which show EV sales are up 34% year-on-year.
However the number of diesels bought fell 12% in the same period.
Overall the UK new car market rose by 1.2% in August. The growth, albeit marginal, is the first seen since February, with some 68,858 new vehicles joining the road during what is typically the second quietest month of the year as many buyers choose to wait for a ‘new’ numberplate in September. However the sales are still significantly below previous years, with even mid Covid crisis in 2020 seeing much higher sales.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “August’s new car market growth is welcome, but marginal during a low volume month. Spiralling energy costs and inflation on top of sustained supply chain challenges are piling even more pressure on the automotive industry’s post-pandemic recovery, and we urgently need the new Prime Minister to tackle these challenges and restore confidence and sustainable growth. With September traditionally a bumper time for new car uptake, the next month will be the true barometer of industry recovery as it accelerates the transition to zero emission mobility despite the myriad challenges.”
Charlie O’Donoghue, Head of Product at EV charging company Easee, commented: “August saw electric vehicle sales grow strongly in the UK, whilst the sale of harmful and polluting diesel cars dipped once again. It’s clear that consumers are moving towards an electric powered future on the road.
“As the new PM enters No10 tonight they must hold their nerve on net zero and put boosting EV infrastructure right at the heart of their agenda to support the roll out of EV’s right across the country and reach the 2030 target.”
(Picture – SMMT)
