The number of plug-in cars registered in Britain has surpassed half-a-million for the first time.
The announcement, made by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, came as he made reference to the UK’s plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030.
According to the SMMT (Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders), over 13 per cent of new cars sold so far in 2021 have been either a plug-in hybrid or a pure electric car.
By comparison, plug-ins accounted for 5.9 per cent of new car registrations last year.
In March, the government reduced the Plug-in Car Grant contribution from £3,000 to £2,500 and also capped it on vehicles priced at £35,000 or less - down from £50,000 previously.
The sudden change in eligibility criteria was met with much criticism from the automotive industry, with many claiming it goes against the policy of encouraging more people to make the switch to EVs.
“While we’re still in the early stages of electric vehicle adoption, it’s clear that sales of ultra-low emission vehicles are gaining real momentum.
Scott Hamilton-Cooper, Director of Sales and Operations
“It’s essential the pace of electric car sales is mirrored by the industry, including dealers and credit hire vehicle providers, to meet the new expectations of consumers who have made the switch, and guarantee the offer of an EV as a replacement hire car or courtesy vehicle.”
In February, AX launched AX Electric which ensures customers are offered a like-for-like replacement electric vehicle in the event of a non-fault collision.
AX’s own research revealed that providing EV drivers with an ICE replacement or courtesy vehicle could cost dealers as much as £3 million in fuel bills by the end of 2021.
In addition, AX found that two-thirds of drivers who have previously used credit hire services would accept an EV as a replacement vehicle when their ICE vehicle was in for repair.
For out more about AX Electric today.
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