EV Sales Surge: Urgent Need for Support in the UK

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!
As the automotive industry continues to pivot towards sustainable practices, January’s fresh vehicle sales figures have unveiled a remarkable surge in the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This increase, a staggering 41.6%, translates to 29,634 units sold, securing a commendable market share of 21.3%. Such a robust growth trajectory signals a positive shift in consumer attitudes towards electric vehicles, showcasing a clear movement towards greener transportation options.
Moreover, the trend is not limited to BEVs alone. The sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have also seen a notable rise, climbing by 9.0% to 12,598 units. Similarly, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) reported a modest increase of 2.9%, reaching 18,413 units. These figures reflect an evolving landscape in the automotive sector, where traditional fuel sources are gradually being replaced by cleaner alternatives.
Overall, the uptake of BEVs has now surged by 20.9% year-on-year, reaching a total of 462,000 units sold and achieving a market share of 23.7%. Although this figure falls short of the mandated target of 28% for 2023, it surpasses the target of 22% set for 2024, indicating a positive growth trend over the annual period.
According to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the decline of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is becoming increasingly evident, with these vehicles now accounting for approximately 50% of all registrations. This shift is indicative of a broader trend towards emission reduction and aligns with the UK’s ambitious climate targets. However, the SMMT has emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme, highlighting that meaningful changes are essential in the current climate.
Additional insights from New Automotive, based on DVLA registrations, reveal a concerning decline in petrol and diesel vehicle sales, which have dropped from 50% to 38% in just one month. This decline underscores the growing acceptance of electric vehicles and the increasing public awareness regarding the environmental impact of traditional fuel sources.
Nevertheless, concerns have been raised regarding the Expensive Car Supplement (ECS), which remains pegged at £40,000. The SMMT argues that with over twice as many BEVs registered this January compared to the entirety of 2017, it is time to reconsider the eligibility threshold for electric vehicles. Raising this threshold or entirely exempting BEVs from the ECS would send a powerful message: that electric vehicles are essential for a sustainable future and should not be treated as luxuries.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, commented, “January’s figures show EV demand is growing – but not fast enough to deliver on current ambitions. Affordability remains a major barrier to uptake, hence the need for compelling measures to boost demand, and not just from manufacturers.” He emphasised the importance of creating a conducive environment for EV adoption, stating that the current application of the ECS on electric vehicles is not only counterproductive but also misaligned with the urgent need for increased EV uptake.
In support of this sentiment, Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), echoed the need for government support to stimulate both fleet and private demand. Despite the strong start for BEVs, which captured over a fifth of new car registrations, there remains a pressing requirement for incentives such as grants and investments in charging infrastructure. The NFDA’s 2025 Outlook Survey revealed a predominantly pessimistic outlook among dealers for the coming year, with 71% expressing concerns about the trading environment and only 29% feeling slightly optimistic.
Robinson further highlighted the anticipated changes for automotive dealers in 2025, including an increase in Employers’ National Insurance contributions and the introduction of Vehicle Excise Duty on electric vehicles. Given that the UK automotive sector plays a crucial role in the economy, the NFDA has historically demonstrated remarkable flexibility and resilience in the face of challenges.
Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, expressed her enthusiasm for the impressive start to the year for new EV sales, noting that no car manufacturers faced fines from the first Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate target for 2024. “The sector is working hard to tackle remaining barriers to uptake such as high upfront and public charging costs,” she stated, highlighting the growing confidence among consumers in the transition to electric vehicles.
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, reinforced the message of increasing demand for EVs, stating, “January’s EV sales figures demonstrate once again there is strong and growing demand for these vehicles, as we drive towards an electric future.” She noted the ongoing efforts to expand public charging infrastructure, with nearly 75,000 public chargers now available and thousands more being installed each month. ChargeUK members are investing billions to ensure that this infrastructure keeps pace with the expected surge in EV adoption over the coming years.
However, Read also cautioned that to effectively support the sales of electric vehicles, a robust and stable policy framework is essential. “The charging sector needs a strong and stable policy framework,” she said, advocating for adherence to the ZEV mandate and the creation of additional incentives to facilitate the transition to electric mobility. She warned against weakening the mandate, which could lead to a detrimental cycle of reduced infrastructure investment, fewer affordable charging options, and ultimately lower demand for EVs.
As we navigate through these transformative times in the automotive industry, it is clear that collaboration and strategic policymaking will be key to achieving our collective net-zero goals. The rising sales figures for electric vehicles serve as a beacon of hope, but sustained efforts are required to ensure that this momentum translates into long-term change. Together, as a community of champions for net zero, we can advocate for the necessary measures to support this vital shift in transportation.
Let us continue to champion the cause of electric mobility and work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. The transition to electric vehicles is not merely a trend; it is a crucial step towards securing our planet’s health and achieving net-zero emissions. With continued support, innovation, and commitment from all stakeholders, we can pave the way for a greener tomorrow.
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