Increased demand for EVs recorded in May

New registrations of electric cars rose 81.1 per cent in May compared to the same month last year, according to SMMT figures.

Petrol electric hybrids experienced increased demand, up 34.6% to 7,785 units, however, following recent trends, plug-in hybrids experienced another substantial decline, down -40.6% in

Registrations of diesels have fallen for the 26th consecutive month, decreasing -18.3% in May.

The SMMT believes this ongoing anti-diesel sentiment and the forthcoming introduction of low emission zones is affecting buyer confidence.

There was modest growth in registrations of petrol (1.0%) and alternatively fuelled vehicles overall (11.7%).

Declines were recorded across all sales types in the month, with registrations by private consumers, fleets and business buyers declining by -5.0%, -3.0% and -29.0% respectively