The government’s target of 33% EVs by end of 2026 is creeping closer – as of this morning, SMMT’s figures show that battery EVs account for 29.8% of the market.
This is a record share for August and a seasonal spike, as August is a traditionally low-volume month. The figures also show that 94,236 new cars were registered in August, up 13.7% year-on-year and in its ninth consecutive month of growth.
September, however, may bring figures up further – it’s traditionally a huge month for new car registrations. Many delay buying a car in August, so they can get the newer registration plate in September (in this case, a 76 plate).
The latest figures also highlight the pressure facing carmakers under the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, which is currently under consultation. With manufacturers required to ensure a growing share of their sales are zero-emission and while EV registrations continue to climb, the industry is still calling for stronger incentives and charging infrastructure to convince more drivers to make the switch.
Although August has shown a spike, September will very likely be an even larger one. Despite this expected surge, the tensions between rapidly growing EV demand and manufacturers still missing the target remains clear.
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