Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) registrations in the UK surged nearly 42% year-on-year in February, even as overall car sales declined for the fifth consecutive month, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
A total of 21,244 BEVs were registered last month, securing a 25.3% market share. Petrol cars remained the most popular choice, with 39,865 units sold, though this represented a decline from 48,211 units in the same period last year. Plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) registrations also grew 19.3% to 7,273 units, capturing a 7.2% share of the market.
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The rise in BEV sales comes ahead of tax changes set to take effect in April, which will see electric vehicles lose their current exemption from vehicle excise duty (VED).
Starting April 1, new BEVs will face a £10 VED charge in the first year, increasing to £195 annually from the second to the sixth year. BEVs priced above £40,000 will also be subject to the £2,125 expensive car supplement over six years.
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SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes warned that the tax change could hinder long-term EV adoption. “Although February’s figures show a subdued overall market, the good news is that electric car uptake is increasing, albeit at a huge cost to manufacturers in terms of market support,” he said. “It is always dangerous, however, to draw conclusions from a single month, especially one as small and volatile as February. With the all-important March number plate change now upon us, and tax changes taking effect in April that will, perversely, dissuade EV purchases, we expect significant demand for these new products next month – but, long term, EV consumers need carrots, not ever more sticks.”
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Tesla dominated the BEV rankings, with the Model 3 and Model Y securing the second and third spots in overall vehicle sales, recording 1,990 and 1,861 registrations, respectively.