The UK records a 27.5% increase in registrations of battery electric vehicles (BEV) from the beginning of the year to date, compared to 2022.
According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 286,246 units are responsible for that percentage.
However, this sector shows a decline of 17.5% compared to november of last year, which was a particularly successful month for this type of vehicle.
In the eleventh month, 24,359 vehicles were registered.
It is worth mentioning that this year the share of BEVs in the automotive market is 16.5%.
In addition, expectations are high for 2024, with a considerable increase estimated to reach 22.3%.
On the other hand, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) numbers show an increase of 38.8% compared to last year.
As for Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), the figures indicate an increase of 27.8% compared to 2022.
November turned out to be a strong month for both HEVs and PHEVs, which increased by 27.8% and 55.8%, respectively.
What were the standout models in the UK?
The competition among brands is even. In fact, the top 10 of the best-selling models presents a variety of producers.
The bestseller, both in November and throughout the year, is the Ford Puma, which features a Mild Hybrid style.
Its numbers are 4,298 units this month and 46,434 in the annual total.
The second most chosen car by UK users last month is the Vauxhall Corsa with BEV features, with 4,185 registrations.
In the third place is the Nissan Qashqai (HEV) with 4,116 registered vehicles.
These two cars swap positions in the annual table: the Nissan computes 39,068 units, occupying the second place, while the Corsa is below with 37,826, occupying the third place.
Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Tesla Model Y, MINI, Nissan Juke, Vauxhall Moka, and Audi A3 are the other models that complete the top 10.
In summary, the two brands that attract the most attention this year, according to registration numbers, are Ford and Nissan.
eMobility Regulations in the UK, What’s at Stake?
In January 2024, a new regulation will come into play, requiring that 22% of new vehicle registrations from each manufacturer be zero-emission units.
SMMT believes that, to achieve these targets, fiscal incentives must be offered to consumers.
Additionally, there should be increased investment in charging infrastructure to instill confidence in drivers.
“Reducing the VAT on new BEVs by half and lowering VAT on public charging to 5%, in line with home charging, would enhance the appeal of electric driving and make the transition to zero emissions more accessible to a broader consumer base,” explains SMMT.
Another “urgent” measure to boost the adoption of EVs involves delaying the stricter new rules of origin between the UK and the EU, set to take effect on January 1, 2024.
If the rules are not postponed, EVs traded in both directions would incur tariffs, leading to price hikes for consumers.
Car manufacturers and governments on both sides of the Channel have called for a common-sense approach to maintain the current standards on EV batteries for an additional three years, supporting consumer choice and affordability.
In this regard, Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT, states, “Private buyers of electric vehicles need incentives commensurate with those that have successfully driven corporate adoption, and viable trade standards that promote the transition instead of penalizing it.”
