The UK new automotive market has posted its longest uninterrupted interval of growth for eight years, as registrations grew 16.7% in Could to succeed in 145,204 items in line with the most recent figures from the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT).¹ The efficiency marks 10 consecutive months of progress, though registrations stay -21.0% under pre-pandemic 2019 ranges.²

Giant fleet registrations continued to drive the expansion, up by 36.9% to 76,207 items, reflecting a regularisation of provide following difficult provide points in 2022. Registrations to non-public consumers fell barely by -0.5% to 65,932 automobiles, whereas smaller enterprise fleets registered 3,065 items, a 12 months on 12 months rise of twenty-two.5%.

Petrol-powered automobiles stay Britain’s finest sellers, accounting for 57.1% of all registrations.³ Alternatively powered automobiles, nevertheless, proceed to make up an ever-larger share of the market, with plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) rising 23.0% to succeed in a 6.2% market share and hybrids (HEVs) rising 22.2% to comprise 12.3% of all registrations. Reflecting the dramatic transformation of the market over the past three years, Could noticed battery electrical automobiles consolidate their place because the UK’s second hottest energy practice. An extra 24,513 joined the street through the month, up 58.7% on Could final 12 months to safe a 16.9% market share.

Of the brand new automobiles registered in Could, decrease mediums, superminis and twin goal had been the most well-liked, comprising 86.3% of the market. There are actually zero emission choices obtainable in each single phase of the market, with greater than 80 fashions – round 1 / 4 of all new automotive fashions obtainable – from which to decide on. Moreover, these new BEVs have a median battery vary of 236 miles, effectively in extra of UK drivers’ common weekly mileage of round 100 miles.⁴

Whereas billions of trade funding is delivering alternative and progress, nevertheless, the pace of the shift must speed up. From January we anticipate to see the Zero Emission Car Mandate in drive, which can set a minimal quota for brand spanking new battery electrical car registrations for each model. Whereas the fashions and volumes will likely be obtainable, guaranteeing the market demand is there would require motion from each stakeholder. A supportive fiscal framework, simplified planning processes, sooner grid connections and the supply of a nationwide community of dependable, reasonably priced and sustainable cost factors will give drivers contemplating the change the arrogance to buy. Investments are coming however regulated public charger targets commensurate with these for brand spanking new car registrations would give drivers higher confidence and assist speed up the UK’s zero emission transition.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Govt, stated,

After the troublesome, Covid-constrained provide problems with the previous few years, it’s good to see the brand new automotive market keep its upward pattern and the truth that progress is, more and more, inexperienced progress is vastly encouraging. Reworking the market nationwide, nevertheless, and at an excellent higher tempo means we should enhance demand and assist any reticent driver overcome any considerations about electrical automobiles. This may require each stakeholder – trade, authorities, chargepoint operators and power firms – to play their half, accelerating funding to drive decarbonisation.

1 December 2014-September 2015
2 Could 2019 registrations: 183,724
3 Petrol and MHEV petrol
4 SMMT information launch: Britain’s new automotive market boosted by battery electrical car alternative

SOURCE: SMMT