As the world shifts gears towards a greener future, the United Kingdom is embracing the electric vehicle (EV) revolution with remarkable momentum. From bustling city streets to scenic countryside roads, EVs are becoming an increasingly common sight. This comprehensive article delves into the current state of the UK's EV market, exploring key statistics, trends, and projections that highlight the nation's accelerating shift towards electric mobility.

Whether you're an EV enthusiast, a potential buyer, or simply curious about the future of transportation, this article will provide valuable insights into the UK's EV landscape. We'll examine sales figures, market share, popular models, charging infrastructure, regional variations, consumer sentiment, and future projections. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of where the UK stands in its journey towards a more sustainable and electrified future.

Electric Car Sales and Market Share

In 2023 there were 314,687 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) registered in the UK. This means there has been small growth in the EV market share during the past year.

The market share of pure electric vehicles is growing, although the growth slowed in the past year. Specific statistics include:

1. BEVs accounted for 16.5% market share of total new car registrations in the UK in 2023.
2. The total number of new car registrations in the UK in 2023 was 1,903,054 units.
3. BEV market share in 2023 was slightly down from 16.6% in 2022 when 267,203 new BEVs were registered.
4. By the end of 2023, there were nearly 1 million (993,216) pure BEVs on UK roads, up from 673,660 at the start of the year.

While total new car sales increased in 2023, the number of new BEV registrations was 314,687, giving BEVs a 16.5% market share, slightly lower than the 16.6% achieved in 2022.^,

Car Sales in the UK by Powertrain

The UK electric car market is different from other countries. Regional differences are more pronounced. For example, the rate of EV adoption in Scotland is much lower than London. Drivers probably want more reliability and dependable range when traversing the Scottish highlands. 

But there are definite shifts in the market. Here’s the data for car sales in 2023 by powertrain:

5. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs):
   1. 314,687 units sold
   2. 16.5% market share
6. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs):
   1. Specific sales figures not provided
   2. Estimated around 7.4% market share (combined 23.9% plug-in market share with BEVs at 16.5%)
7. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs):
   1. No clear sales/market share data provided
8. Petrol (Gasoline) Vehicles:
   1. Estimated around 3.7 million units sold
   2. 35.3% market share
9. Diesel Vehicles:
   1. 1.4 million units sold
   2. 13.6% market share

Total New Car Sales in the UK in 2023: 1,903,054 units

So in summary, BEVs took a 16.5% share, plug-in hybrids around 7.4%, petrol around 35.3%, and diesel 13.6% of the total 1.9 million new cars registered in the UK during 2023. 

UK Electric Vehicle Market Share Compared to Other Countries

The UK’s distinct population demographics, especially the gravity of London, affect the UK car sales. EV adoption, one of the key market indicators, is lower in the UK than in other countries. However, the UK isn’t lagging too far behind.

Let’s look at UK electric car unit sales and compare them to other nations around the world.

10. Norway:
    1. Norway continues to lead in EV adoption, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounting for 83.1% of new car registrations in the first half of 2023.
    2. When including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), the total plug-in market share in Norway reached 90.1% in H1 2023.
11. Sweden:
    1. BEVs made up 37.3% of new car registrations in Sweden in H1 2023.
    2. The total plug-in (BEV+PHEV) market share in Sweden was 58% in the first half of 2023.
12. United Kingdom:
    1. In the UK, 137,917 BEVs were registered in H1 2023, accounting for 15.5% market share, up 2.3 percentage points year-over-year.
13. Germany, France, Portugal:
    1. These countries had a similar BEV market share around 12% in the first half of 2023, according to the results.

For other EU countries in 2023, data isn’t quite as clear. However, regional trends are continuing.

The most up-to-date figures show Norway maintaining its clear lead, followed by Sweden. The UK, Germany, France and Portugal are grouped together with BEV market shares around 12-16% as of early 2023.

Models of Electric Cars Available

The increasing number of EV models available from various manufacturers gives consumers more choices and drives competition. Global sales are up and many brands are popular across a number of nations.

Here are the top 10 brands for EV car sales in the UK in 2023:

14. Tesla: The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling EV in the UK in 2023 with 35,899 units sold. The Tesla Model 3 also made the top 10 at #4 with 13,536 units.
15. MG: The MG4 was the second best-selling EV in 2023 with 21,715 registrations.
16. Audi: The Audi Q4 e-tron took the 3rd spot with 16,757 units sold.
17. Polestar: The Polestar 2 was the 5th highest selling EV in the UK in 2023 with 12,542 registrations.
18. Volkswagen: VW had two models in the top 10 - the ID.3 at #6 with 10,295 units and the ID.4 at #9 with 8,495 units.
19. Kia: The Kia e-Niro was the 7th best-selling EV with 10,084 registrations.
20. BMW: The BMW i4 took the 8th position selling 8,940 units.
21. Skoda: The Skoda Enyaq iV was the 10th highest selling EV in the UK in 2023 with 8,136 registrations.

So Tesla, MG, Audi, Polestar and Volkswagen clearly led the way, accounting for the top 8 bestselling UK EV car brands in 2023.

EV Market Prices

The UK used electric vehicle (EV) market has experienced significant changes over the past five years, with prices initially rising due to high demand and limited supply, then falling as many EVs became available. This variable pricing landscape has shaped consumer behaviour and industry trends, with growing interest in used EVs as they become more affordable.

Key Statistics:

22. Top 20 EVs price drops: Prices for the top 20 most-searched-for used EVs and hybrids dropped by 5.9% year-on-year.
23. Used EV prices fall: The average price of used EVs advertised by dealers fell by 15% compared to February 2023. 
24. Used EV sales grow quickly: Used EV sales grew by 99.9%, with a total of 34,021 units sold.
25. Nissan Leaf price plummets: This model experienced the most significant price drop in Q4 2023, with prices falling by 13.5%. 
26. Drivers lean towards used EVs: Almost a fifth of drivers are more likely to buy a used EV in the next five years as prices fall. 

In summary, the UK used EV market has transitioned from a seller's market to a buyer's market in recent years. Prices are expected to continue to fall as more used EVs enter the market and battery technology continues to improve. This trend is likely to make EVs even more accessible to a wider range of consumers, further accelerating the shift towards electric mobility in the UK. 

Range of Electric Vehicles

One major sticking point for electric vehicle sales is driving range. Many people still think the driving range of EVs is far below that of diesel and petrol cars. This is true, especially for diesel vehicles, which can boast driving ranges well over 500 miles on a single tank.

Let’s compare some top models and see how their driving range has changed during the past five years.

Here's a more detailed comparison of the driving range changes between the top-selling EVs in the UK from 2019 to 2023:

27. Range Increases:
    1. Tesla Model 3: The base model range increased from 254 miles (Standard Range Plus) in 2019 to 272 miles (Rear-Wheel Drive) in 2023. The Long Range variant saw a substantial jump from 348 miles to 374 miles. This demonstrates Tesla's commitment to improving battery technology and efficiency.
    2. Kia e-Niro: The 2019 model with a 64 kWh battery offered a range of 282 miles. The 2023 model, rebranded as the Niro EV, now boasts a 64.8 kWh battery with a range of up to 285 miles. While not a massive increase, it shows continued refinement in battery technology.
28. Range Decreases: Renault Zoe: The 2019 model (R110/R135) offered a range of up to 245 miles. In 2023, the Zoe's range decreased slightly to a maximum of 238 miles. This could be due to changes in testing procedures or battery chemistry.
29. Consistent Range: Nissan Leaf: The base model with a 40 kWh battery maintained a consistent range of around 168 miles between 2019 and 2023. 
30. New Entrants: MG4 EV, Audi Q4 e-tron, Tesla Model Y, and Polestar 2: Their presence in 2023 demonstrates the growing diversity of EVs available. They offer a wide range of ranges, from 211 miles (Audi Q4 e-tron 35) to 395 miles (Polestar 2 Long range Single motor), catering to various needs and budgets.

Overall, the comparison highlights a clear trend of increasing range capabilities in the top-selling EVs. Advancements in battery technology, improved efficiency, and a broader selection of models with different ranges are all contributing to a more appealing EV market for consumers. While some models saw slight decreases, the overall trajectory is positive, with manufacturers striving to offer EVs with ranges that rival or even surpass those of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

Improving battery technology is driving an increase in range across the board for fully-electric cars. This helps BEV sales since buyers see a better range figure on the car lot. 

31. Average EV battery capacity has seen a significant increase over the past five years. In 2019, the average battery capacity for new EVs was around 60 kWh. As of 2024, that average has risen to around 75 kWh, representing a 25% increase.

Of course, batteries need chargers, so let’s take a look at the changing charging infrastructure in the UK.

Public Charging Infrastructure

The rapid growth of the UK's electric vehicle (EV) market has necessitated a parallel expansion of its charging infrastructure. While significant progress has been made, challenges remain in ensuring sufficient and accessible charging options for EV drivers.

32. Charging Points: As of April 2024, there were 61,232 public EV charging points across the UK, a 45% increase from April 2023. This signifies a substantial investment in expanding the charging network to accommodate the growing number of EVs on the road.
33. Charging Locations: These charging points are spread across 32,697 locations, providing a wider geographical distribution and improved convenience for EV users.
34. Rapid Chargers: The number of rapid chargers (50 kW and above) has also increased significantly, reaching 13,051 by April 2024. This is crucial for enabling long-distance travel and reducing charging times for EV drivers.
35. Government Investment: The UK government has committed to investing £1.6 billion in EV charging infrastructure by 2030. This funding aims to further accelerate the rollout of charging points and ensure that the infrastructure keeps pace with the growing demand for EVs.
36. Regional Disparities: While progress has been made, regional disparities in charging infrastructure persist. London and the South East have the highest concentration of charging points, while some rural areas still lack adequate coverage.

The UK's EV charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly, but more work is needed to ensure equitable access for all drivers and to keep pace with the accelerating adoption of EVs. continued investment in charging infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas, will be critical for supporting the transition to electric mobility and achieving the UK's net-zero goals.

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Consumer Interest and Demand

Consumer interest and demand for EVs in the UK have been steadily increasing, fueled by environmental concerns, rising fuel costs, and government incentives. While challenges like range anxiety and charging infrastructure concerns persist, recent surveys and sales data indicate a growing appetite for electric mobility, including within the fleet sector.

37. Increasing Purchase Intent: A 2023 survey by EY found that 54% of potential car buyers in the UK were considering purchasing an electric vehicle, up from 49% in 2022. 
38. Growing Interest in Used EVs: More than half (54%) of potential buyers will consider an EV for their next car.
39. Positive Outlook: The SMMT forecasts that the UK's EV market share will reach 21% in 2024, indicating continued growth in demand. 
40. Fleet Adoption: Businesses and fleet operators are playing a crucial role in driving EV adoption. A Centrica report suggests that fleet owners are set to increase their EV spending by 50% within the next year. 

Overall, the consumer appetite for EVs in the UK is growing, driven by a combination of factors. The increasing interest from fleet operators is particularly noteworthy, as it can significantly impact the overall market and create a larger pool of used EVs for consumers. 

Addressing remaining concerns and ensuring adequate charging infrastructure will be key to maintaining this positive trajectory and accelerating the transition to electric mobility. Here are some buyer concerns:

41. Range anxiety and charging infrastructure concerns: "range anxiety" - the fear of running out of battery charge and being stranded - is one of the primary deterrents for people considering EVs.
42. Resale value worries: around half of used car dealers in the UK are reluctant to buy second-hand EVs due to the "shocking depreciation" and plunging resale values of EVs witnessed in 2023.
43. High upfront costs: high initial purchase costs used to be a major barrier for EV adoption, though this concern is subsiding as EVs become more mainstream.
44. Limited model choices: Some buyers, especially commercial fleets, feel there are not enough viable EV model options yet available to suit their needs, making a switch to EVs impractical for now.
45. Lack of home charging access: For urban residents without access to off-street parking/private charging points, charging an EV can be inconvenient, deterring adoption.

The key factors holding some UK buyers back are range/charging anxieties, resale value concerns, high upfront costs for some models, limited choices in certain segments, and charging accessibility challenges for those without home charging capabilities. However, the results indicate these barriers are gradually diminishing as EV technology improves and infrastructure expands.

Government Policies and Incentives

Based on the information provided in the search results, the UK government has enacted several key policies and initiatives to support and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and assist EV buyers:

46. Ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030: In November 2020, the UK government announced a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, with all new cars and vans required to be fully zero-emission at the tailpipe from 2035.
47. Plug-in vehicle grants: The government provides plug-in grants of up to £4,500 for consumers purchasing brand new electric or hybrid vehicles through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) to reduce upfront costs.
48. Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS): Individuals can apply for funding grants of up to 75% (capped at £350) to install home charging points.
49. Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS): Provides funding for businesses and organisations to install workplace charging infrastructure for employees.
50. On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme: Funding for local authorities to install public on-street residential chargepoints.
51. Over £900 million in funding for ULEV innovation, manufacturing, and infrastructure: Significant investment to support the ULEV industry, including R&D, supply chains, and charging networks.
52. Public awareness campaigns like Go Ultra Low: Government-backed campaigns to increase consumer awareness and provide EV information.
53. Tax incentives: Lower vehicle tax rates and exemptions from certain charges/tolls for zero-emission vehicles.
54. Support for UK EV battery manufacturing: Initiatives to develop a domestic battery supply chain and gigafactories.
55. Climate Change Commission targets: Targets for 60% of new car sales to be ULEVs by 2030 to drive adoption.

The UK government has implemented a comprehensive set of at least 10 major policies spanning vehicle regulations, financial incentives, charging infrastructure support, public awareness, tax benefits, and industrial strategy to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in the coming years.

Here is the section on the environmental impact of increasing EV adoption in the UK, with data points quoted from authoritative sources:

Environmental Impact

The transition to electric mobility is playing a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from the transportation sector in the UK. As EV adoption continues to grow, the environmental benefits are becoming increasingly significant.

Emissions Reduction

56. 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions saved: According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), "The 1.1 million plug-in vehicles on UK roads in 2023 saved an estimated 2.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions compared to petrol/diesel equivalents."
57. 66% less greenhouse gases: The UK Department for Transport states that "Electric vehicles have zero direct tailpipe emissions, and even when taking into account production emissions, they emit on average 66% less greenhouse gases over their lifetime compared to a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle."
58. Annual CO2 emissions down by 98%: A study by Cambridge Econometrics found that "If the UK achieves its target of 60% electric vehicle sales by 2030, it could reduce annual CO2 emissions from cars and vans by 98% by 2050 compared to 2015 levels."

Air Quality Improvement 

59. Asthma reduction by 36,000 cases: Research from Imperial College London suggests "Widespread adoption of electric vehicles could prevent over 36,000 cases of asthma among children born in the UK between 2019-2032."
60. Public health benefit of £5 billion annually: The UK government estimates "The public health benefits from improved air quality due to electric vehicles could reach £5 billion annually by 2030."

Energy Efficiency

61. EVs are about 40% more fuel efficient: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, "EVs convert about 59%–62% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels, while conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 17%–21% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels."
62. Emissions savings to increase over time: The International Energy Agency states "As the electricity generation mix continues to decarbonize, the emissions savings from EVs will increase over time."

While challenges remain in areas like battery production and charging infrastructure, the growing adoption of EVs is undoubtedly delivering significant environmental benefits for the UK by reducing emissions, improving air quality, and increasing energy efficiency - key drivers behind the government's push for accelerated EV uptake.

Here is a section analysing the regional electric vehicle market across different areas of the UK, with relevant data points sourced directly from the provided URLs:

Regional Electric Vehicle Market Analysis

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK has seen significant variation across different regions. By examining regional sales data and market share, key trends and factors influencing EV uptake can be identified.

Leading Regions

63. The South East region had the highest EV uptake in 2022 at 21.4% market share for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). 
64. Scotland had the lowest regional BEV market share in 2022 at 12.9%. 
65. London saw the highest number of new BEV registrations in 2022 at 42,573 units. 

Charging Infrastructure Impact

66. Regions with more extensive public charging networks tend to have higher EV adoption rates. The South East had 6,900 public chargers installed as of October 2022. 
67. In contrast, Northern Ireland had just 373 public charging devices, potentially contributing to its lower 10.8% BEV market share in 2022. 

Fleet & Business Demand

68. Businesses and fleets are driving EV adoption in certain regions. For example, the West Midlands saw a 134% year-over-year increase in fleet/business BEV registrations in Q1 2023. 
69. The East of England had the highest proportion of BEVs registered to companies at 16.2% in Q1 2023. 

Socioeconomic Factors

70. More affluent regions like the South East tend to have higher EV ownership rates, potentially due to higher purchasing power and greater access to home charging. 
71. Conversely, areas with lower average incomes like the North East have seen slower EV adoption so far. 

The South East is definitely leading the EV charge, but it's not a one-size-fits-all situation across the UK. Different areas have their own unique challenges and advantages when it comes to going electric. Things like how easy it is to find a charger, what kind of cars businesses are buying, and even how much people earn all play a role. 

EV Cable Shop is Ready with Your Accessories

As electric vehicle adoption increases, we know drivers may need a new cable. We offer Type 1 charging cables, Type 2 charging cables, and more accessories for many electric vehicle models. Our cables can be used in public charging points and at home. 

Whether you want an extra cable for your new car or need a replacement for a “new to you” used electric car, our cables will work for almost every electric vehicle type. If you have any questions, just reach out to our team. We’ll be happy to help you find the correct cable for your car.