SMMT marks decade of electric vehicle development
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has highlighted the progress in electric vehicle development in the UK market in the last decade.
Its figures reveal that while just 14 electric vehicles models were available to UK car buyers in 2016, that has now increased 12-fold to 167.
Meanwhile, the number of brands selling electric cars in the UK has gone up from 12 to 51, with the average range up to more than 300 miles. This is more than double the average weekly mileage of drivers in the UK of 127 miles. Further, hybrids and plug-ins have increased from 16% of available models in 2016 to 42%.
This means that electrified powertrains are now available in more than four in five models, compared with less than one in five.
In response, the number of zero emission car registrations has risen from just 10,264 in 2016 to 473,346 last year, and from a 0.4% market share to 23.4%.
Investment
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Ten years ago, electric vehicles were a curiosity for many drivers. Today, they are a core part of the UK new car market, with unprecedented choice, longer battery range and growing consumer appetite.
“Massive manufacturer investment has delivered this progress, but continued government action to accelerate demand and support manufacturer investment is essential to keep the transition on track.”
