London, May 24, 2024 , (Oilandgaspress) –British motorists can enjoy more battery electric vehicle (BEV) choice today than ever before, with almost a third (29.3%) of models on the new car market available as zero emission, according to new analysis by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 1 There are now some 102 battery electric models to choose from, up from just 16 in 2014, demonstrating the massive industry investment in new electrified technologies to drive the transition to clean transport and net zero.
Zero emission options are available in every car segment – from superminis to compact crossovers, luxury saloons and sportscars – with the choice set to grow still further thanks to a slew of electric model launches in the coming years. While major automotive manufacturers, and major nations, are committed to zero emission transport, the UK is playing a leading role as Europe’s second largest new electric car market by volume, with the number of zero emission cars on UK roads rising to a record 960,896 in 2023, and the used BEV market motoring to a new high in the first quarter of this year.2
So far in 2024, demand for new BEVs is up 10.6% with more than 100,000 motorists making the switch to a new EV, enjoying battery range fit for today’s motorists. Thanks to significant investment into R&D, the average BEV range is now 236 miles, rising to nearer 300 for models launching this year. Indeed, some variants already on sale have maximum battery ranges in excess of 450 miles, more than three times the average distance drivers travel in a week.Addressing the main barriers to greater uptake, in particular, affordability and charge anxiety with measures to lower vehicle costs and improve the UK’s charging network, are essential. Providing private buyers with a similar level of fiscal incentives as those enjoyed by fleet and business buyers would help drive take-up. Temporarily halving VAT on new BEV purchases combined with cutting the VAT on public charging from 20% to 5% in line with domestic use would drive demand, putting over a quarter of a million EVs on the road instead or petrol or diesel cars.6
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