The latest figures on passenger car registrations in England show that the number of electric cars has increased. But they cannot yet compete with the petrol cars.
While car sales at home improved in October compared to last year, a different downturn can be traced in England.
The total number of new car registrations fell by six percent. Gasoline cars remain the English people's favorite choice with 72,681 registrations. But it has to be seen in relation to October 2023, which was actually as much as 14 percent better.
In the midst of the general decline, however, electric cars are experiencing significant progress.
That there were 29,802 new electric cars on English roads in October marks an increase of 24.5 percent compared to the same month last year.
Electric cars are thus the second most popular choice among British car buyers, and they now have a market share of 18 percent in the first ten months of the year. By comparison, the share was 16 percent at the same time last year.
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Despite the progress of electric cars, however, the UK is not on the right track. At least not if you ask about the government's political goals. Specifically, the goal is that 22 percent of all new cars must be electric cars in 2024. In 2025, that figure must be 28 percent.
Car brands and importers who cannot meet the government's targets are punished with fines. But right now the 2024 target alone appears to be in jeopardy. Read more about it here.
"Massive investment from manufacturers in model selection and market support is helping to make the UK the second largest electric car market in Europe," says Mike Hawes, managing director of The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), in a press release .
A total of 144,288 cars were registered in England in October. While electric cars are experiencing progress, sales of hybrid, petrol and diesel cars are falling. The Kia Sportage was the most popular car among Brits in October, followed by the Ford Puma and the Mini Cooper.
Read more exciting news from and about the world of cars right here!
