The SMMT held its 45th annual Test Day yesterday where attendees had access to various electric vehicles.
The line-up reflected the rapid evolution of consumer choice with regards to EVs. Four in five new car models available to customers have electrified powertrains and almost two in five are completely zero emission and offering an average range of around 300 miles on a single charge.
Mike Hawes, CEO of the SMMT, said: “Getting here did not happen overnight and demonstrates industry’s long-term commitment to decarbonisation, with BEVs now representing a fifth (20.4%) of all new cars joining UK roads, up from 16.9% a year ago.
“That’s very impressive – yet still well below government’s mandated 28% BEV share this year. Industry, government and drivers alike want uptake to accelerate but the cost of making an EV, and therefore buying one, remains stubbornly high with action needed to help more new car buyers switch.”
SMMT’s modelling shows halving VAT on new EV purchases would put over two million new EVs on the road by 2028.
Removing disincentives, such as the VED Expensive Car Supplement and the unfairly higher VAT on public charging, would make EVs even more affordable.
Hawes added: “The UK already manufactures many different zero emission models – cars, vans, buses and trucks – so scaling up is now our goal.
“With two gigafactory locations either in production or build, we are well positioned for investment but need the right conditions especially on energy.
“With a stronger EV manufacturing base and thriving consumer demand, the UK can compete for more future global investment – bringing the jobs, economic growth and decarbonisation we need.”
