Battery electric (BEV) was the only powertrain to record growth in the new UK car market during October, with sales growing by 24.5% year-on-year, Kallanish reports.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this is the strongest BEV growth this year, which led to a monthly uptake of 20.7%. Total BEV registrations reached 29,802 units.

In comparison, diesel and petrol sales declined by 20.5% and 14.2%, respectively, driving overall car registrations down 6% in October.

“While it remains the case that the average BEV has a higher upfront cost than an ICE equivalent, widening choice and huge manufacturer discounting mean that around one in five BEV models now has a lower purchase price than the average petrol or diesel car, especially for buyers able to take advantage of schemes such as salary sacrifice,” the SMMT says.

Last month, the UK car market also registered 13,832 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and 19,012 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Sales for these powertrains dropped 3.2% and 1.6%, to market shares of 9.6% and 13.2%, respectively.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes explains the UK is the second largest EV market in Europe thanks to a “massive manufacturer investment in model choice and market support.” There are now over 125 different BEV models available for purchase in the country.

“EVs already work for many people and businesses, but to shift the entire market at the pace demanded requires significant intervention on incentives, infrastructure and regulation,” he adds.

Last week, the UK government announced the extension of business and fleet incentives for BEVs. However, it maintained the upcoming changes to the Vehicle Excise Duty and Company Car Tax, which the industry warns will disincentivise the purchase of electric vehicles.

To date, nearly 300,000 new BEVs have been registered this year, accounting for 18.1% of the total new car market. Yet, the mandatory share for this year is set at 22%.

Source: SMMT, Kallanish