UK green car sales surge in January
Green travel news – by GreenWise Staff
9th February 2015
UK sales of green cars shot up by more than 60 per cent in the first month of 2015 compared to the same period last year.
The figures released last week by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show 4,598 electric, hybrid and alternative-fuelled vehicles were sold in January of this year, compared to 2,859 in January 2014. The surge was driven by the growing choice in makes and models of plug-in vehicles, the SMMT said.
In the UK, anyone buying a new electric or plug-in vehicle receives a £5,000 grant off the cost of the purchase. There are also tax exemptions.
UK car registrations up
“January saw increased uptake of both petrol and diesel cars, while demand for alternatively-fuelled vehicles continued its surge with registrations rising by 60.8 per cent,” Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said. “Registrations of plug-in vehicles were particularly strong as consumers responded to a greater choice of makes and models delivering lower running costs.”
2014 rise in EV sales
ACEA secretary general Erik Jonnaert said although the figures represent strong growth, “it still represents just 0.6 per cent of the total market.
“ACEA’s members will continue to invest in alternative powertrains, including electric, hybrid, fuel-cell and natural gas-powered vehicles. This needs to be supported by the expansion of the charging infrastructure, as well as a more consistent EU-wide approach to customer incentives,” he said.
UK car registrations up
Overall, UK car registrations grew were by 6.7 per cent last month – the strongest January since 2007, fuelled by a stronger than expected economic confidence, the SMMT said. Growth in the company car registration market was particularly strong, up 18.1 per cent on the same period last year.
“January saw increased uptake of both petrol and diesel cars, while demand for alternatively-fuelled vehicles continued its surge with registrations rising by 60.8 per cent,” Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said. “Registrations of plug-in vehicles were particularly strong as consumers responded to a greater choice of makes and models delivering lower running costs.”
2014 rise in EV sales
The strong UK EV sales figures follow last week’s announcement by the European Automotive Manufacturers Association (ACEA) that sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe rose by 37 per cent in 2014. The UK showed the strongest growth of any European market last year, with over 15,000 electric vehicles sold here. A total of 75,331 EVs were registered in the EU in 2014.
ACEA secretary general Erik Jonnaert said although the figures represent strong growth, “it still represents just 0.6 per cent of the total market.
“ACEA’s members will continue to invest in alternative powertrains, including electric, hybrid, fuel-cell and natural gas-powered vehicles. This needs to be supported by the expansion of the charging infrastructure, as well as a more consistent EU-wide approach to customer incentives,” he said.
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