New BEVs (battery electric vehicles) across Europe in April represent 13% of the total 960,191 new car sales. It’s a 3% rise on the same month last year according to official figures.

April’s total volume of new car sales was 16% up year on year, marking a positive ninth consecutive months of growth.

Charging up possibilities

According to Felipe Munoz, global analyst at Jato Dynamics, it is down to the improvement in parts and vehicle supplies following the hangover of pandemic lockdowns, not least in China.

“These results are directly related to the easing of supply chain pressures which has increased the availability of new cars.

“On top of this, demand has continued to rise in response to the push from OEMs to widen their EV offering.”

“Tesla and MG fuelled the growth of BEVs last month. Consumers appear to be responding well to wider competitive offers and good deals presented by the two OEMs.”

 

 

Big manufacturers weigh in

Volkswagen Group led the BEV rankings., It has  seen an increase in registrations of 98% to almost 31,900 units. It represents more than double the 14,200 units registered by Tesla.

Stellantis was in second place but lost ground due to a significantly smaller increase in BEV volumes of just 5%.

Geely, and the remaining Chinese manufacturers combined, also performed well. They registered a total 8,334 and 7,114 units respectively.

Stellantis, Volkswagen Group, and Geely also led in registrations of PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles). Demand for these vehicles remained stable with a total of 71,960 registered units.

Going the extra mile

A significant boost to sales has to be vehicle range.

The average official full range of a new electric car coming to the market for the first time in 2023 has neared 300 miles, according to SMMT analysis.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says that’s around three times the average distance driven per week.

Within the latest launches, some new electric vehicles (EVs) are available with ranges in excess of 450 miles.

The average range for all available electric cars, including those models launched in recent years, is now 236 miles.

More help needed

Despite the positive sales growth of EVs, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes says the government needs to do more to incentivise buyers.

 

 

Britain now has quadruple the choice of battery electric cars seen five years ago.

There are now around 80 EVs available across every vehicle segment. This compares with just 21 in 2018.

As result, almost one in four car models is available as a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

Drivers looking to cut their carbon while on the move can also choose from 94 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and 42 hybrid (HEV) models. According to SMMT it means electrified vehicles comprise almost two-thirds of all models available.

There are also now 23 models of electric van, 14 models of zero emission buses powered by electric or hydrogen, and 20 electric truck models now available in the UK.