Plug-in vehicle registrations reached a record high in 2015 as 28,188 new ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) arrived on UK roads – more than the past five years’ totals rolled into one. The switch to electric power marked a 94% annual rise compared to the previous year – while the popularity of plug-in vehicles shows no sign of slowing with an even greater selection of ULEVs due to be launched in 2016.
Analysis by government and motor-industry-backed Go Ultra Low reveals that ULEV registrations for 2015 eclipse the 21,486 total of plug-in vehicles sold between 2010 and 2014. Plug-in power is becoming a mainstream option for drivers alongside petrol and diesel powered cars as more plug-in vehicles make up the 2.6m new cars registered in 2015.
Fuelling the demand is a greater choice of models, with 30 pure electric or plug-in hybrid cars now available in the UK, ranging from high-performance sports cars to capable family run-arounds, and more are on the way in 2016. Last year, the plug-in hybrid vehicles proved most popular among motorists, with 18,254 registrations, a 137% increase on 2014. Fully electric vehicle sales increased 48%, recording 9,934 registrations.
Transport Minister Andrew Jones MP said, “The UK has one of the fastest growing ultra-low emission vehicle markets in the world and these record figures show more and more people across the country are enjoying the benefits of this cheap-to-run and green technology.
“British drivers have a wider choice of vehicles than ever before and we have increased our support for plug-in vehicles to £600 million over the next five years to cut emissions, create jobs and support our cutting-edge industries.”
Head of Go Ultra Low, Poppy Welch, said, “This sustained level of growth represents how plug-in vehicles are becoming the norm for drivers who want to buy a fun, economical, stylish new car. Now, instead of facing high running costs, motorists can reap the rewards of an economical ultra low emission vehicle, which can save the typical car owner hundreds of pounds every year. With this growth showing no signs of stopping, it’s proof that electric car ownership is the new normal. Now, it’s not a question of will motorists choose electric, but when.”