New data by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed that UK drivers are able to enjoy the best selection ever of zero emission vehicles, with two in five now available as battery electric.
Drivers now have the option to choose form more than 130 battery electric vehicles (BEV), which is an increase from 102 last year, while there are also 100 plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and almost 50 hybrids (HEV). Four out of five cars, thanks to huge investment from manufacturers, are now available with electric powertrains.
Last year’s median range for a BEV was 235 miles on a single charge, and now the average range is 300 miles on a single charge.
The average PHEV electric-only range is just under 50 miles, with some models capable of up to 88 miles of zero emission driving, while the newest HEVs are able to travel in electric mode at low speeds.
45 per cent of UK new car sales are now electrified models, and are available in every category–from superminis to compact crossovers to luxury saloons–and in every price range, with lower cost BEVs gaining popularity and demand.
Up from 19.9 per cent last year, BEVs hold a 20.4 per cent share of the UK new car market, but despite this progress, it still lags behind the mandated government target of 28 per cent.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief Executive, said: “There never been a better time to go electric — with more choice, better vehicle range and improving infrastructure offering a compelling driving proposition. But the market still isn’t moving fast enough so bold support for consumer EV uptake — notably investment in incentives and infrastructure — is needed to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and make switching open to all drivers.
