The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures show the first year of mandated targets for new zero emission vehicles ended strongly with 43,656 new battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations accounting for 31.0 per cent of the market made in December.

This is the highest since December 2022’s record 32.9 per cent, and as a result, BEVs made up 19.6 per cent of the market (381,970 units) in 2024, up by more than a fifth (67,283 units) from last year, but just short of the 22 per cent demanded by the mandate.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “A record year for EV registrations underscores vehicle manufacturers’ unswerving commitment to a decarbonised new car market, with more choice, better range and increased affordability than ever before. This has come at huge cost, however, with the billions invested in new models being supplemented by generous incentives which are unsustainable. We need rapid results from the regulatory review and urgent substantive support for consumers, else automotive investments will be at risk and the jobs, economic growth and net-zero ambitions we all share in jeopardy.”

The figures put the UK ahead of Germany and all other European nations as the centre of EV. In Germany and France EV sales fell, but commentators place a considerable burden on the withdrawal of subsidies in those countries, hence Hawes remarks as the Government seeks to consult with industry on the issue.

Another issue to content with is that the vast majority of EV ales are fleet, with the public reluctant to switch.

---