Electric vehicle registrations climbed 8.1% in April despite an overall market downturn, with 24,558 new EVs hitting UK roads.
Plug-in hybrids were the only other segment showing growth – up 34% – while petrol sales dropped 22% and diesel fell 26%, according to April figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
The EV growth rate slowed considerably compared to March’s 43% year-on-year increase.
April typically sees fewer registrations following March’s plate change, but new tax changes likely contributed to the slowdown. EVs now face vehicle excise duty for the first time – £10 in the first year and £195 thereafter. Cars priced over £40,000 also incur a £425 annual Expensive Car Supplement.
The SMMT suggests many buyers may have rushed purchases into March to avoid these new taxes.
EVs captured 20.4% of all new car registrations in April, up slightly from March’s 19.4% but well below the 28% required under the ZEV mandate. At current growth rates, the SMMT projects EVs will reach 23.5% market share by year-end.
“April’s performance is disappointing but expected after March’s surge. Another month of growth for electric vehicle registrations is good news, however, even if demand remains well below ambition,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.
Hawes noted recent government adjustments to the ZEV Mandate were “welcome and an important first step” but emphasized that “EV uptake is still being heavily and unsustainably subsidised by the industry which is why a compelling package of measures from government is essential if consumers are going to make the switch.”
