Motors: Milestone reached in sale of new electric vehicles

Hyundai Sportage (Image: Hyundai)

REGISTRATIONS of battery-electric cars passed the million mark last month.

January saw 20,935 new cars powered solely by electricity registered in the UK. It means a total of 1,001,677 such models have hit the road since 2002.

Hyundai’s Sportage was the UK’s most popular new car in January and also topped the Scottish charts.

The Sportage was the first Kia to become the UK’s favourite new car in the same month in 2022. That month was also the first time the Korean brand sold more vehicles than any other manufacturer.

Last month’s registrations totalled 142,876 units – 10,882 more than the previous January. Corresponding figures for Scotland were 12,108 and 11,023.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “It’s taken just over 20 years to reach our million EV milestone – but with the right policies, we can double down on that success in just another two.

“Market growth is currently dependent on businesses and fleets. Government must therefore use the upcoming budget to support private EV buyers, temporarily halving VAT to cut carbon, drive economic growth and help everyone make the switch.”

UK top 10 in January: 1, Kia Sportage, 4,239; 2, Ford Puma, 4,201; 3, Nissan Qashqai, 4,008; 4, MG HS, 3,413; 5, BMW 1 Series, 3,204; 6, Mini, 3,079; 7, Audi A3, 2,648; 8, Volkswagen Golf, 2,456; 9, Nissan Juke, 2,421; 10, Hyundai Tucson, 2,373.

Scottish top 10 in January: 1, Sportage, 421; 2, Volkswagen Polo, 369; 3, MG ZS, 337; 4, BMW 1 Series, 321; 5, Puma, 318; 6, Volkswagen T-Cross, 282; 7, MG HS, 277; 8, Golf, 259; 9, Mini, 252; 10, Qashqai, 250.

Figures from SMMT.