Electric Cars outsell Every Other Powertrain in Britain Last Month
Battery-electric cars took a record 29.8% share of UK registrations in August, outselling every other powertrain, though year-to-date uptake of 25.6% remains below the 33% zero emission mandate. The Commission has proposed cutting the EU’s 2035 target from 100% to 90%, permitting plug-in hybrids and range extenders.
Key Takeaways:
- Electric cars were Britain's best-selling powertrain last month, according to InsideEVs and New AutoMotive research.
- The SMMT reported 29.8% of a market of 94,236 registrations for battery-electric vehicles in August.
- Plug-in hybrids took 14.5%, and full hybrids 12.7%.
The Big Picture:
August represents only 4% of annual sales, with September's new plate release offering a truer test. The year-to-date figure of 25.6% is crucial, as it falls short of the required 33% target.
These numbers are driven by Britain’s stricter regulations:
- Mandates require 33% zero-emission sales this year, rising to 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.
- Penalties are in place for non-compliance.
Global Context:
- The EU's overall battery-electric market share was 25% in July, with Britain leading the way on stricter targets.
- A proposal to reduce the EU’s 2035 target to 90% is currently under discussion.
Leading Brands:
- Tesla tops the UK electric vehicle market with 8.8%, despite a Q1 slump.
- Kia is second, with 45% of August sales fully electric.
- Tata’s Jaguar Land Rover has not yet introduced any electric vehicles to its lineup.
- BYD is third with approximately 6.3% of the UK market.