New data released today from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also shows an increase in plug-in hybrid registrations compared to 12 months ago. The data shows a massive drop in confidence for the diesel car market which suffered a staggering 20 per cent drop in registrations compared with September 2018. Petrol car registrations only rose by 4.5 per cent over the last twelve months as electric car technology increases to find traction. Recent data has also revealed 70.6 per cent more electric cars have been sold this year compared to 2018 as manufacturers introduce further electric models to the market.
However, despite the boost in sales figures recent data from Euro Car Parts shows drivers have opted to reject electric vehicles.
Their analysis shows just two per cent of motorists they surveyed said they would consider switching to an electric car and 66 per cent were put off by a lack of charging stations.
The UK has seen an estimated 28 per cent boost in charging points year on year since 2016 but much of the growth has been focused on urban areas such as London.
Electric car infrastructure is set for a mega boost as part of a £400million plan to get Britain ready for EV technology.
A total of £2.5million worth of funding has been planned for residential charging points in a bid to increase the appetite for electric technology.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Transport Secretary Grant Schapps said: It’s fantastic there is already a rapid charge point at almost every motorway service station, and now more charging stations than petrol stations.
“But I want to see thousands more charge points installed across the UK. This fund will help drum up further investment in chatting infrastructure from the private sector so charging an electric car becomes as easy as plugging in a smartphone.”
Electric cars are now available for under £20,000 and in many cases, the cars can be charged up to an 80 per cent battery in just a couple of hours using rapid charging tech.
Claims for a UK Government plug-in hybrid grant reached new heights in the second quarter of 2019 as 22,448 applications were made.
It was the highest number of applications made for a government grant in a one quarterly period since the scheme was introduced in 2011.
RAC Foundation says suggests 220,142 applications have been made since the launch of the scheme as take-up has steadily increased over time.
Claims took a sudden dip at the start of 2019 as applications fell to just 5,000 in the first quarter of the year but increased to bumper levels just months later.
However, the Department for Transport has hinted at plans to axe the £3,500 free money scheme aimed at encouraging people to embrace the electric revolution.
Funding is given to motorists who purchase a car that meets the government’s tough guidelines.
Electric car owners in London can benefit from not having to pay Sadiq Khan’s controversial Ultra Low Emission Zone charges.
The Government’s Road to Zero strategy is hoping to ensure at least half of new car sales are deemed ultra-low emission vehicles by 2030.