Sales of PHEVs grow for first time in six months

Battery electric cars (BEVs) saw the biggest percentage growth of all fuel types in September, up 236.4% (5,414 units) as new models boosted registrations, according to SMMT figures.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) also saw growth for the first time in six months – albeit after a -22.3% decline in the same month last year. Year-to-date PHEV registrations are now -5.2% below the same period two years ago. By comparison, popular hybrid electric and battery electric cars are up 32.3% and 125.1% on the same period.  

September saw modest year-on-year growth following a substantial -20.5% decline in the same month in 2018, when new emissions regulations and lack of testing capacity across Europe affected supply.

However the growth was not enough to recover losses in last year’s plate-change month, leaving the year-to-date market trailing some 49,000 units behind this time in 2018.

Other major European markets however have seen car sales in double digits, suggesting the Brexit uncertainty is stopping consumers.

September’s volumes were driven by the fleet sector, which grew 8.6%. Meanwhile, private demand remained stable, up 0.1%, while business registrations declined -44.8%. Diesel registrations fell -20.3%, as petrols experienced a moderate increase of 4.5%.

In the first three quarters of the year, the UK new car market has declined -2.5% .

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “September’s modest growth belies the ongoing downward trend we’ve seen over the past 30 months. We expected to see a more significant increase in September, similar to those seen in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, given the negative effect WLTP had on all European markets last year. Instead, consumer confidence is being undermined by political and economic uncertainty. We need to restore stability to the market which means avoiding a ‘no deal’ Brexit and, moreover, agreeing a future relationship with the EU that avoids tariffs and barriers that could increase prices and reduce buyer choice.”