The latest registration data indicate that while EV sales continue to grow, the 10 most popular new cars in the UK all run on petrol.
The figures, collated by the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders, show 36,830 new battery-powered cars hit the road in October, representing 25.4% of the month’s market, while year-to-date EV sales stand at 22.4%, some way short of the 28% government mandate for the year.
The 10 most popular new cars in the UK – both last month and year-to-date – all run on petrol. The Ford Puma tops both tables, with other top 10 models including the Kia Sportage, VW Golf, Nissan Qashqai and Audi A3. Roughly half of all registrations comprise cars with pure internal combustion engines, with a further 15% being petrol-electric hybrids.
Rather than being driven by market demand, electric cars are pushed by legislation and incentivised by significant tax breaks. Businesses and company-car drivers can net huge savings by opting for electric power, while consumers recently gained a taxpayer-funded boost in the shape of the Electric Car Grant.
While exponents frequently celebrate the advantages EVs bring – such as near-silent urban running, ease of use and the convenience driveway charging can bring – consumers remain reluctant to make the switch, with nine out of 10 EV purchases being made by businesses. Private motorists typically cite concerns such as high EV purchase prices, depreciation rates and public electricity costs, limited ranges and long recharging times.
