Electric vehicle sales slump with 'limited growth' as UK car market finally returns to pre-pandemic levels

Significantly, this is also 7.2 per cent above the same time in 2019, one of the final months before the coronavirus pandemic which disrupted global car sales.

While battery electric vehicle uptake has recorded its 42^nd consecutive month of growth, October saw difficulties in the bid to increase EV market share.

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The data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also showed that the UK is expected to sell 1.886 million units by the end of the year.

This is a rise of 2.1 per cent compared to July’s expectations, although BEV uptake has been downgraded again by 2.7 per cent to 324,000 units.

Compared to the wider market growth, there are some concerns about the market share of battery electric vehicles.

It has grown to a share of 15.6 per cent, a relatively small rise in comparison to last year’s level of 14.8 per cent.

Responding to the latest data, Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, highlighted the need for further BEV sales to ensure industry success.

He said: “The Autumn Statement is a key opportunity for Government to introduce incentives and facilitate infrastructure investment.

“Doing so would send a clear signal of support for drivers, reassuring them that now is the time to switch to electric.”

The Ford Puma remains the best-selling vehicle with almost 5,000 new registrations, widening the gap between the SUV crossover and the second best-selling car of the year, the Nissan Qashqai.

Other staple models remain popular including the Mini selling 3,779 models, the Vauxhall Corsa with 3,464 registrations and 3,426 new Volkswagen Polo models.

Lisa Watson, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “EV stats are already skewed by fleet numbers, and our latest research found that more than a third of drivers are still hesitant about buying an AFV.

“Dealers will need to make sure they are utilising all available insight and tools to ensure they are keeping track of changing trends and stocking their forecourts to best meet demand."

Similarly, John Veichmanis, CEO of carwow, said it was reassuring to see registrations return to pre-pandemic levels despite the numerous hurdles.

He added: “However, the limited growth when it comes to electric vehicles acts as a reminder that there’s still a need to encourage and incentivise people to make the switch.

"While our research has shown that two in five (38 per cent) people would consider an EV for their next car, a perceived lack of EV charging infrastructure is still major sticking point for many to make the switch, as is the upfront price.

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“Keeping up this momentum will be crucial to help bridge the gap between EV early adopters and mass market consumers.”