Page last updated: 5 October 2024
UK electric vehicle (EV) sales have been steadily increasing, driven by growing consumer demand for greener transportation options, government incentives, and advancements in EV technology.
How many Electric Vehicles are sold in the UK each year?
The number of electric cars registered in the UK reached 455,200 in 2023, a 23% increase from the previous year.
- Electric vehicle sales in the UK increased steadily from 261 units in 2010 to 75,000 by 2019, reflecting gradual market adoption over this time.
Sales grew more rapidly from 178,000 units in 2020 to 450,000 by 2023, driven by advancements in technology, better infrastructure, and supportive government policies.
Learn more about Global EV Sales here.
Electric Car Sales vs Traditional Car Sales in the UK (2011-2023)
- Steady growth is evident in EV sales as the number of sales increased from just 261 in 2010 to around 455,200 in 2023, reflecting consistent growth over time.
Types of Electric Vehicles Sold in the UK (2023)
From 2010 to 2023, the cumulative zero-emission vehicles sold in the UK showed a strong performance across various categories:
- Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) dominated the market with 1,726,371 registrations, reflecting strong demand as a transitional option.
- The number of registered Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) reached 1,166,505 units, driven by growing consumer interest in fully electric models.
- There were 540,185 registered Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), appealing to those seeking both electric and traditional power.
- The number of Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs) reached 20,638 units, offering range security with a backup engine.
- There were just 296 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), marking the early adoption of hydrogen technology.
What are the Leading Electric Vehicle Models?
The cumulative sales from 2010 to 2023 of Tesla Model 3 with 97,227 units registered in the UK
- The Tesla Model Y, was second on the list with an estimated 70,743 units, followed by Nissan Leaf with 58,463 units.
Leading Electric Vehicle Models in 2023
- The leading electric vehicle models sold in the UK from 2010 to 2023 were from Tesla, Model Y and Model 3, driven by their advanced technology, range efficiency, and strong brand presence, making them popular choices among UK consumers.
Explore the Latest Trends in EV Sales by Brand and Model.
What are the leading brands of electric vehicles?
Tesla Inc led the electric vehicle market in the UK in 2023, with 167,970 units sold.
- Nissan followed in second place with 58,463 EV sales, while Kia ranked third with 39,433 units sold.
How many Electric Vehicles were registered in the UK in 2023?
- In 2023, the United Kingdom registered approximately 455,200 electric vehicles.
- Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) comprised 49% of all EV sales, indicating a substantial portion of the country’s shift toward electrified transportation
How strong is the demand for Electric Vehicles today?
- Electric Car Sales in the UK reached 1.9 million in 2023, the market share of EVs to 16.5% for BEVs and 25.3% for combined BEVs and PHEVs.
- EV sales in 2023 made up 7.26% of total car sales, up from 5.45% in 2022, indicating strong market demand.
How many EV Charging Stations Across the UK?
- As of the end of June, the UK had approximately 65,000 accessible to the public.
- Public charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly, with a new charger being installed every 25 minutes.
Read more about EV Charging Stations Across the UK here.
Why is the UK investing in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV)?
- Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, aiding the UK’s journey to net-zero by 2050.
- Job creation and economic growth, particularly in ZEV manufacturing and the supply chain.
- Lower running and maintenance costs for consumers compared to conventional vehicles.
- Enhanced air quality due to the reduction in emissions from transport, leading to improved public health outcomes.
Projections for EV Sales in the UK
The UK is committed to achieving net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, in line with legal obligations outlined in the Net Zero Strategy.
- This strategy includes targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 68% by 2030 and by 78% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels, incorporating international aviation and shipping.
- Transport is the largest GHG-emitting sector in the UK, playing a critical role in the country’s decarbonisation efforts.
- Cars and vans alone contribute two-thirds of transport emissions, highlighting the importance of transitioning to cleaner vehicle technologies.
Government policies for ZEV Adoption
Government initiatives aim to introduce new regulations to target vehicle emissions as part of efforts to increase electric vehicle (EV) uptake.
- 2035 Delivery Plan (published July 2021): Lays out policies to make ZEVs more affordable, improve consumer awareness, accelerate infrastructure rollout, transition fleets to ZEVs, develop a UK supply chain, and maximise the sustainability of ZEVs.
- Mandated Targets for ZEV Supply: To meet interim carbon budget goals, the government is setting binding regulations with specific targets for ZEV supply, ensuring the pace of transition supports carbon savings.
- Legally Binding Annual ZEV Sales Proportions: Manufacturers will be required to meet annual minimum sales targets for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), ensuring a gradual increase in ZEV adoption.
- Incentives for Chargepoint Infrastructure: These targets are designed to not only reduce emissions by replacing internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) with ZEVs but also provide investment certainty to accelerate the development of the charging infrastructure network.
What are the economic benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles in the UK?
- Job Creation: Growth in ZEV manufacturing, battery production, and charging infrastructure will create thousands of new jobs.
- Investment Attraction: Large-scale investments from automakers and tech companies will strengthen the UK’s economy.
- Market Leadership: The UK is positioning itself as a global leader in the electric vehicle sector.
- Boost to Renewable Energy: Increased demand for EVs supports the growth of clean energy solutions.
EV Sales Statistics Resources
- Australia EV Sales Statistics
- Canada EV Sales Statistics
- China EV Sales Statistics
- Germany EV Sales Statistics
- Japan EV Sales Statistics
- Norway EV Sales Statistics
EV Sales Statistics By Manufacturer
References
GU: Projections and Regulations in ZEV
GU: EV Sales Key Figures and Statistics
IEA: Yearly EV Sales in the UK
