2024 is shaping up to be another landmark year for electric vehicle (EV) sales in the UK. By mid-year, over 1.1 million fully electric cars were zipping around British roads, with another 670,000 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) riding the EV wave. But what do these numbers really tell us? Let’s take a closer look.
THE SPARK OF FULLY ELECTRIC CARS: A GROWING MARKET
The growth in battery-electric car registrations has been remarkable. In 2023 alone, nearly 315,000 new fully electric cars were registered, representing an impressive 18% increase compared to 2022. This trend shows no sign of slowing down, as more drivers embrace the benefits of going fully electric — from slashing fuel bills to cutting down on emissions and embracing a smoother, quieter drive.
PLUG-IN HYBRIDS: BRIDGING THE GAP
Plug-in hybrids still hold their own. These part-time EVs cater to those who aren’t quite ready to ditch the petrol pump completely. Offering the best of both worlds, PHEVs make longer journeys more manageable and ease range anxiety — perfect for drivers not ready to commit to full electric just yet.
EV MARKET SHARE: IS IT SHIFTING GEARS?
June 2024 saw, 34,034 new electric cars hit the roads, representing about 19% of all new car registrations. When we include PHEVs, the total market share for new plug-in vehicles climbs to a substantial 28.3%. That means nearly a third of all new cars registered in the UK are now plug-in models — a huge leap from just a few years ago.
WHAT’S NEXT ON THE HORIZON?
So, what’s next? The UK government and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have set ambitious goals, with Z-EV (Zero-Emission Vehicle) mandates that must be met by year-end. The shift to electric mobility is accelerating, thanks to a combination of environmental awareness, lower operational costs, and various incentives. It’ll be interesting to see how OEMs adapt, especially as the supply for traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles continues to tighten.
TOP-SELLING EVS IN 2024
Wondering which EVs are winning hearts (and driveways) this year? Here’s a look at the UK’s top three:
- Tesla Model Y: With over 35,000 registrations last year, the Model Y continues to dominate as the UK’s best-selling EV. Its spacious interior, long range, and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network make it popular.
- Tesla Model 3: Following closely, the Model 3 saw over 19,000 registrations last year. Known for its performance and sleek design, it’s a popular choice for those looking to balance range with affordability.
- Kia e-Niro: Rounding out the top three, the Kia e-Niro recorded approximately 11,000 registrations. This model offers a practical and efficient alternative, with a good range for its price point.
THE ROAD AHEAD
The numbers show that the UK’s journey towards an electric future is on track. With a strong first half of 2024, the stage is set for continued growth in EV adoption. As more drivers go electric, we’ll see a ripple effect across the industry, from charging infrastructure to vehicle resale values. The coming months promise to be an exciting chapter in the UK’s EV story.
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