lectric car sales surged by 88% in July, with drivers registering a new one every minute as the expansion of ULEZ approaches.
In total, 23,010 battery electric vehicles were registered, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This, it said, represented a new registration every 60 seconds based on DVLA working hours.
“While the growth in electric vehicles hitting UK roads is significant, it must move even faster if it is to outpace the rest of the market and enable the UK to meet ambitious but necessary environmental targets,” the SMMT said. “To get even more consumers to make the switch, every means of support must be provided.”
The EV surge helped overall vehicle registrations jump by 28.3% to 143,921 in July. After the sector was hit by supply chain issues, car sales have now risen year-on-year for 12 consecutive months.
Lisa Watson, director of sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “Despite rising interest rates, high inflation and a bleak economic outlook, the new car market has continued to rally against these challenges.
“A further rise in July, making it a year of consecutive growth, offers a more positive outlook for the second half of 2023.
“With plans for London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone set to press ahead, and with other cities in the UK likely to introduce similar schemes, it will be interesting to see if this has an effect on new registrations.
“Although our research found that two in three dealers said customers are being more cautious about purchasing vehicles, so the introduction of new schemes may make a new purchase a necessity.”
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, said the sector hadn’t shown many signs of a slowdown driven by the cost of living or interest rates.
“New car sales have now seen 12 consecutive months of recovery since the pandemic related supply chain shortages. NFDA conducted a flash poll of its members and found that retailers have seen little change in the business environment, with a slight decrease in customer footfall in July,” she said. “This is likely driven by the unseasonal weather, but continued engagement online demonstrates the importance of omni-channel retailing and a functional digital service to start the customer journey,”