The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has reported electric vehicles (EV) are failing to keep up with the wider market as the industry renewed calls for the government to provide incentives for private buyers.
Some 15.2% of new cars registered in March were battery EVs, the SMMT said, down from 16.2% a year earlier.
While registrations of EVs to company fleet buyers increased by 10.4% to 317,786, sales to individuals fell.
Sales of all types of cars – including petrol, diesel and hybrids – rose in March, which is typically the busiest month of the year as new number plates are introduced.
READ MORE: UK car production rose 6% in past year, SMMT reports
Additionally, under the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, at least 22% of vehicles sold this year must be zero-emission, with the target expected to hit 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.
Car manufacturers could face fines if they fail to increase the proportion of zero-emission vehicles sold over the years ahead.
Manufacturers that fail to hit the quotas could be fined £15,000 per car.
The industry body also said the decline in market share for electric vehicles “underscores the need for government to support consumers”.
SMMT’s chief executive Mike Hawes said: “A sluggish private market and shrinking EV market share… show the challenge ahead.
“Manufacturers are providing compelling offers, but they can’t single-handedly fund the transition indefinitely.”
Achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
