Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in the United Kingdom rose by 58% in November, marking the eleventh consecutive month of growth, as automakers offered steep discounts to comply with the country’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed on Thursday.
While BEV sales climbed, overall new car registrations fell 1.9% year-on-year to 153,610 units, driven by reduced private buyer demand, the SMMT reported. BEVs accounted for a 25% market share in November, exceeding the mandated levels for the month but falling short of the 22% yearly target set for 2024.
Jamie Hamilton, automotive partner and head of electric vehicles at Deloitte, emphasized the need for balanced policies to support the transition. “A pragmatic approach to the ZEV mandate, alongside incentives for both manufacturers and consumers, will be crucial to drive electric vehicle uptake,” he said, while noting that economic indicators like inflation, interest rates, and consumer confidence remain critical to purchasing decisions.
The government has committed to supporting the sector, with Finance Minister Rachel Reeves announcing in October that zero-emission vehicle owners would benefit from the lowest first-year taxes starting in April 2025. However, automakers remain concerned about the long-term impact of mandates.
November marked just the second month that the British auto industry met ZEV mandate requirements. The SMMT underscored the importance of sustained incentives, stating, “While BEVs surpassed the mandated levels in November, achieving the 2024 annual target will require continued focus on both consumer incentives and market conditions.”
