Proactive Investors - Registrations of battery-powered vehicles in the UK skyrocketed last month thanks to easing supply chains, the industry has reported.
Some 23,010 battery electric vehicles were registered in July, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said on Friday, compared to 12,243 in the same month last year.
This marked an increase of 87.9% year on year, compared to growth of 28.3% across all new car registrations, which sat at 143,921 for the month.
“The market has enjoyed non-stop growth for a full year despite challenging economic conditions,” the industry body said.
“[This is] as supply chain challenges ease, production increases and deliveries can be fulfilled.”
Petrol and mild hybrid sales trumped battery electrics sales over the month, however, with 58,150 and 29,051 new models of each being registered respectively.
Volkswagen (ETR:VOWG_p), Ford and Audi were the bestselling brands meanwhile, with over 11,000 models of each being registered throughout July.
Though registrations still remain below pre-pandemic levels, last July’s was the best performance for the month since 2020, “when pent-up demand for new cars was unleashed following three months of lockdown”, SMMT added.
However, industry members warned speculation over the UK's proposed ban on petrol cars in 2030 was showering the industry in uncertainty.
"Recent calls to dilute net zero targets are creating a level of uncertainty detrimental to driver appetite for electric vehicles," Jon Lawes, director at leasing firm Novuna Vehicle Solutions, said.
"Any uncertainty around the direction of travel the government is taking threatens to undermine momentum as 2030 approaches."