UK electric vehicle market grew 19 per cent in 2018

There were 59,911 new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles registered last year, making it the most successful year for electric cars to date, according to Go Ultra Low data. This equates to market growth of 19% compared to 2017.

Plug-in hybrids accounted for the bulk of the market, with 74% of registrations. Pure electric cars also saw a significant boost in 2018, up 14% on the previous year. This takes the number of 100% electric and plug-in hybrid cars registered in the UK to date to 196,343.

From a regional perspective, the South East saw the highest demand across the nation, with 21,383 pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles registered– a 24% increase on 2017. Other leading regions include the West Midlands (8,601), South West (8,354), East Anglia (5,672), and Yorkshire and the Humber (5,344), making up the top five British regions for electric car uptake this year.

2018 has been the seventh consecutive year of growth for the electric car market.

Poppy Welch, Head of Go Ultra Low, said: “In the context of the wider new car market, it is fantastic to see plug-in car registrations continue to go from strength-to-strength. Looking at the year ahead, 2019 is set to be a pivotal one for the electric car market. With even more new models being released, coupled with the introduction of initiatives such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, we’re confident that the next 12 months will be a landmark year for the nation’s switch to electric.”