Experts have praised new research which highlights the support for new electric vehicles as petrol and diesel sales continue to slump.
Data from New AutoMotive found that October was the third straight month where electric cars had more than 20 per cent of the market share as petrol sales continue to fall.
In the first 10 months of the year, petrol car sales have dropped 14 per cent compared to the same period last year, while EVs took a market share of 20.8 per cent in October.
It comes as separate data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found that while the new car market fell by six per cent, electric vehicles provided some relief to the automotive industry.
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Diesel sales are slumping while experts praise the growth of EVs
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In October, 29,802 new battery electric cars were registered, while all other fuel types saw a decline in registrations year-on-year. FairCharge founder Quentin Willson highlighted how this made the UK the second-most successful EV market in Europe.
Many experts said this was proof that the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate was working since manufacturers were making huge strides towards electrification and away from internal combustion engines.
This sees manufacturers required to have a minimum amount of annual sales come from zero emission vehicles, with the 2024 target being 22 per cent.
These targets will continually rise over the coming years, with a target of 28 per cent next year, 80 per cent in 2030 and finally 100 per cent at the end of 2035.
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, said: "This ambitious action is being supported by the UK's world-leading zero emissions vehicle mandate, which is a market-based approach that provides big rewards for companies that sell the most electric cars.
"This regulation is now providing foundational support for billions of investment in battery manufacturing and charge points."
Similarly, Fiona Howarth, CEO at Octopus Electric Vehicles, added: "Diesel, unsurprisingly, quickly ran out of steam as we welcomed strong October BEV sales highlighted by the latest SMMT data.
"This comes hot on the heels of bullish New Automotive data showing that the ZEV mandate is working."
Data from New AutoMotive also found that manufacturers are making a huge step forward with Renault and Ford outselling Tesla. Honda also saw 32 per cent of its sales come from electric vehicles.
Forecasts suggest that new petrol and diesel car sales will have a market share worth less than 44 per cent by the end of the year. This would be a substantial drop compared to the previous all-time low of 55 per cent seen last year.
In reaction to the new data, Dan Caesar, CEO of EVUK, said: "Discounting - taking place across all fuel types - is moving new car buyers towards battery electric vehicles as they become more affordable. A win for consumers.
"The Government's strategy is working, and we urge them to resist calls to slow progress as the UK is now the second most successful EV market in Europe."
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Honda had 32 per cent of its sales in October come from EVS
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A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said it was committed to supporting the switch to EVs, praising the data showing that EVs were up a quarter compared to the same time last year.
They added: "With a market share of almost 21 per cent, the UK is now the second largest electric vehicle market in Europe.
"We will continue to support industry and consumers to make the switch, with over £300million announced in the Budget to support uptake."
