EV market hits new high but target gap remains
The UK new car market’s recovery continued in June, with registrations rising 11.4% to reach 213,166 units in the best performance for the month since 2019, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Growth was recorded across all sectors, with registrations by private buyers up 12.5%, fleet deliveries increasing by 10.5% and the smaller business segment posting a 17.1% rise. Fleets continued to comprise the lion’s share of the overall market, accounting for six in 10 (59.5%) new cars registered.
The uplift was driven entirely by electrified vehicles as the market continues to evolve, thanks to ongoing manufacturer investment in a wide choice of models and powertrains providing lower and zero emission mobility, as well as an expanded pool of brands now operating in the UK. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) took 12.5% of the market, while hybrids (HEVs) accounted for 14.0%. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) saw the most significant growth to take a 30.0% share – the highest so far this year, reflecting the trend of high volumes at the end of each quarter and consumer interest spurred by the impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel prices.
Year to date, BEVs account for 25.0% of the market – a record achievement, but still far short of the 33% target. To meet it outright, BEVs would need to surpass 40% of new registrations across the rest of the year, yet three out of every four new car buyers are currently choosing other powertrains. Mandate flexibilities are helping manufacturers comply for now, but their value is diminishing as natural EV demand fails to grow at the pace expected. Despite more choice, government incentives and more than £12bn in manufacturer discounts, uptake is still not rising fast enough – damaging profitability, diverting investment and weakening residual values.
Automotive leaders are united in viewing the 2030 target as currently unachievable, with 100% of respondents to SMMT’s latest UK Automotive Business Leaders Barometer saying the UK is behind the trajectory needed to meet the mandated 80% share, and almost three quarters (73.8%) believing it is significantly behind.
The industry remains committed to the transition, but urgent reform of the mandate is now essential. The unsustainable cost of compliance is making the UK an increasingly uncompetitive place to both sell and produce cars – putting investment at risk as other markets with less restrictive regulation become more attractive propositions.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “June’s performance is very strong, showing EV uptake is growing, with battery electric cars reaching their highest market share this year and more than half of buyers choosing electrified models. But even these record levels are still not enough to meet mandated targets. Manufacturers are investing billions developing and bringing the vehicles to market – and spending billions more to sell them, yet the market is still not moving fast enough. Reforming the mandate now is essential not just to keep the transition on track but to protect the UK’s competitiveness, attract investment and safeguard jobs.”
