New UK record for EV and plug-in sales 12 | 10 | 2017
GO ULTRA LOW has today announced continued record-breaking uptake for plug-in electric cars in the UK, as new vehicle data reveals a highest-ever third quarter registrations period in 2017.
In total, 12,932 electric cars were registered from July to September, a year-on-year rise of 36%, thanks to a best-ever September month for plug-in registrations as 7794 EVs were new on UK roads, up 27% on September 2016. The figure is also 721 units higher than the previous record quarter, January-March 2017.
The September increase was, according to Go Ultra Low, driven by the rapidly expanding variety of plug-in vehicles offered by manufacturers, their low running costs, and the continually-improving national charging infrastructure.
With demand continuing to increase, this year’s registrations are expected to exceed the full-year total for 2016 by the end of October.
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The popularity of pure electric cars continues to drive growth, with 11,127 new vehicles sold in the year so far, up 37% on 2016. Meanwhile, registrations of plug-in hybrids also showed strength, up 15% for the year-to-date, boosted by 5764 new vehicles finding homes in September (a 38% rise).
The record uptake levels pushes the national total of plug-in cars on UK roads to more than 120,000, meaning EV sales now make up for 1.7% of new car registrations.
“It is great to see the popularity of plug-in cars continues to grow at a record pace,” Poppy Welch, head of Go Ultra Low, said. “To help even more UK motorists save money and cut their emissions, Go Ultra Low is launching a new media campaign that will help UK motorists find out what type of electric vehicle could be right for them.
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“A host of real-world plug-in vehicle owner case studies and eight informative videos will demonstrate how plug-in vehicles could fit into motorists’ lives, even to those completely new to plug-in cars.”
Transport Minister, Jesse Norman said: “We are committed to investing £1 billion in ultra-low emission vehicles, including £100 million in the UK’s charging infrastructure by 2021.
“It is great to see more than 120,000 people have already made the switch. The launch of the new Go Ultra Low website demonstrates how ultra low emission vehicles can fit into even more people’s lives.
“It is our ambition that every new car and van is zero emission by 2040 and decarbonising our transport is a key part of the government’s Clean Growth Strategy.”
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The new Go Ultra Low media campaign launches this week with a new website, advertising, and social media campaign that aims to make it even easier for UK motorists to understand the benefits of electric vehicles.
Visitors to www.goultralow.com can access a range of information about the very latest electric vehicle technology and learn more about the various plug-in cars on the market.
Go Ultra Low has also launched a range of specially-developed interactive tools via its www.goultralow.com website. These will provide motorists with tailored information on a number of topics including how much they could save with an electric car, how easy it is to charge at home and how far a plug-in car can go on a single charge.
A collaborative campaign and the first of its kind, Go Ultra Low brings together a consortium of vehicle manufacturers, Government and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
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Jim McGill