UK motorists are able to enjoy the best-ever choice of zero
emission models, with two in five now available as battery
electric, according to new analysis by the Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Thanks to massive, sustained
investment by manufacturers, car buyers can choose from more than
130 BEVs, up from 102 last year, while there are also over 100
plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and nearly 50 hybrids (HEV), meaning four
out of five cars models are available with electrified
powertrains.1
Manufacturers are committed to delivering zero emission mobility
for all, with the average BEV now capable of driving for almost
300 miles on a single charge, up from last year's median of 235
miles, and the maximum range available in excess of 480 miles,
the latter more than twice the average distance drivers travel in
a week.2 Moreover, for those keen to cut their
emissions but not quite ready to go fully electric, the average
PHEV electric-only range is just under 50 miles, with some models
able to offer as much as 88 miles of zero emission motoring,
while the newest HEVs are able to travel in electric mode, and
with zero emissions, at low speeds.2
Electrified models now make up 45% of UK new car sales and are
available in every segment – from superminis to compact
crossovers, luxury saloons and sportscars – and at all price
points, with an increasing number of more compact, lower cost
BEVs coming to market, driven by massive investment to meet
customer demand. BEVs now hold a 20.4% share of the UK new
car market, up from 16.9% a year ago, but despite this growth,
natural market demand is still well below the mandated government
target of 28% this year and so a package of measures is needed to
boost uptake.
The industry has, therefore, called for a halving of VAT on
new EV purchases, a move which would put 267,000 additional new
EVs – rather than fossil fuel vehicles – on the road,
driving down CO2 emissions by 6 million
tonnes a year; scrapping, or amending, the VED Expensive Car
Supplement; and equalising VAT paid on public charging to that
levied at home.3
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “There's
never been a better time to go electric – with more choice,
better vehicle range and improving infrastructure offering a
compelling driving proposition. But the market still isn't moving
fast enough so bold support for consumer EV uptake – notably
investment in incentives and infrastructure – is needed to
accelerate decarbonisation efforts and make switching open to all
drivers.”
The news comes as SMMT hosts its 45th annual Test Day event at
UTAC Millbrook, today, giving media the opportunity to try out
many of the latest new car and van models on sale in the UK. Of
all the vehicles on display, around two thirds will be
electrified, with almost half these BEVs – a clear signal of how
the automotive industry is committed to zero emission transport
for all.
Notes to editors
1 SMMT figures and analysis based on UK new car registration data
– Jan-Apr 2025.
2 SMMT analysis. Average car miles travelled per year 7,000
according to MOT data 2023. Therefore 135 miles per week on
average. Data from DFT.
3 SMMT, In it together: why every sector
wins with EV volume
