EV deliveries rise in October as overall market falls

The UK new car market fell for the second time this year, down by -6.0% in October to 144,288 new registrations, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Fleet sales fell for the second time this year, down -1.7%, and the low-volume business market declining -12.8%. Private purchases continued their two-year long wane, down -11.8% meaning fewer than four in 10 (38.8%) of new cars registered in the first 10 months have gone directly to private buyers.

The fall was driven by drops in petrol and diesel vehicle deliveries, down -14.2% and -20.5% respectively. However, uptake of hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles also fell, down -1.6% and -3.2%.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were the only powertrain to record growth, with a raft of new models driving the strongest growth this year, up 24.5% to reach a 20.7% share of the market.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "Massive manufacturer investment in model choice and market support is helping make the UK the second largest EV market in Europe. That transition, however, must not perversely slow down the reduction of carbon emissions from road transport. Fleet renewal across the market remains the quickest way to decarbonise, so diminishing overall uptake is not good news for the economy, for investment or for the environment. EVs already work for many people and businesses, but to shift the entire market at the pace demanded requires significant intervention on incentives, infrastructure and regulation."