Electric cars record UK sales - 20% to 1.95 million sold by 2024
Sales of electric cars in the UK hit record numbers last year as environmental groups push the government to stick more to green targets.
The number of new cars sold in the UK rose by 2.6% in 2024 to 1.95 million, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Of these, 19.6% were electric, up from 16.5% a year ago.
Sales of electric cars have soared in recent years in Britain due to rules forcing manufacturers to sell more each year in an effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions from transport, which accounted for 28% of the UK's total pollution in 2022.
The increase in sales has made the UK one of the leaders in the use of electric cars worldwide, although it ranks behind Norway and China. However, sales have still been lower than expected amid an industry-wide slowdown, as well as lingering concerns among some buyers about the higher cost of electric cars and access to public chargers.
The UK government is preparing to ease sales targets for 2025 to avoid imposing huge fines on manufacturers under the country's zero-emission vehicle mandate. A consultation on the rule change will close in mid-February.
Carmakers were told to aim for 22% of UK sales to be electric in 2024, rising to 28% in 2025. However, they are able to avoid penalties for missing the key target if they sell more cars with batteries in later years, or if they reduce overall emissions.
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