Electric cars sales record in 2024
The UK saw a record number of electric cars sold in 2024, leading to environmental groups to call on the government to toughen green targets that the industry argued are unsustainable.
The number of new cars sold in the country rose to 1.95 million in 2024, an increase of 2.6%, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Of them, 19.6% were electric cars, up from 16.5% in the previous year, setting a new record.
The figures also highlighted the dominance of SUV sales in the country, as they outsold other types of cars including superminis for the first time. SUV sales were helped by the switch to electric, their larger size leaves more room for a battery.
Electric car sales have been climbing in recent years due to rules forcing manufacturers to sell more every year to cut emissions. Transportation accounted for 28% of the country’s domestic CO2 emissions in 2022.
The increase in sales, The Guardian says, “has made the UK one of the leaders for electric car adoption around the world,” though Norway and China still lead. Sales have however been lower than expected, “amid an industry-wide slowdown,” the newspaper said, along with concerns among buyers about the higher purchase price and access to public charging.
The government has prepared to relax sales targets for 2025 to avoid fining manufacturers under the zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate. A consultation over the rules will close in the middle of February.
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