The sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to private buyers dropped by 15% compared to last year, new car registration data shows.
Drivers selling BEVs accounted for less than one in ten of all vehicles sold privately, despite the overall electric car market rising by 40%.
This increase was down to fleet companies purchasing those type of vehicles, which rose by 50%.
The electric car market did grew for a 41st consecutive month in September, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), while the overall car market grew by 21% – marking 14 consecutive months of rises.
However, new car registrations are still lagging behind the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, when over 300,000 vehicles were registered.
September saw 272,610 new cars being added to the road, and the increase in registrations came as the new ‘73’ registration plate attracted drivers wishing to purchase a brand-new motor.
Government faces ‘significant challenge’ fixing decline in sales
With interest in going electric dropping across the country, one expert is calling for the Government to make going electric more financially appealing for motorists.
John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing comparison website LeaseLoco, commented: “Private sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) experienced a slowdown last month, while corporate registrations remain the primary driver of growth in the electric car market.
“The Government faces a significant challenge in addressing this decline. The substantial initial cost of electric vehicles remains an insurmountable obstacle for many private drivers eager to make the transition.
“There is an urgent need for financial incentives designed to make electric cars more accessible to those who cannot take advantage of salary sacrifice schemes and corporate discounts. Currently, only company directors and employees with access to salary sacrifice can benefit from the 2% benefit-in-kind taxation rate.
“We need a more level playing field. Financial fairness should be extended to all, not just a select few, and if the Government is committed to achieving net-zero emissions, addressing this issue is crucial.”
