Tipping Point Towards Electric Vehicles on the Horizon

Data published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) showed that 1.65 million cars were registered in the UK last year, with volumes down by 28.7% on pre-COVID trading in 2019.

However, more new EVs were registered in 2021 than over the previous five years combined and one in four new cars sold in December were electric.

Commenting on the new figures, Jon Lawes, Managing Director, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, said:

“These figures round off a hugely encouraging few months for the electrification of the UK’s motor industry. Consumer demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has accelerated rapidly in 2021, almost doubling over the 12 months to December and now account for a quarter of all new vehicles hitting UK roads. This appetite shows no signs of slowing in 2022 as more and more drivers come round to the long term benefits of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable modes of transport.

“However, it’s important that we don’t let this positive milestone mask the uniquely challenging environment that the industry is presently operating in. The prolonged shortage of semiconductors is bringing supply-side pressures to a breaking point, while a lack of public charging points is continuing to put the brakes on large-scale EV adoption across the UK.

“Time is ticking on the Government’s pledge to phase out the production of petrol and diesel cars by 2030. We need to see more decisive carbon-reduction initiatives if we are to have a future-proof, EV-dominated fleet ready by the next decade.”

Read the full article here in the Daily Express