More electric and hybrid cars have been registered in the UK during the first six months of 2017 than in any other six-month period according to new statistics.
Figures from Go Ultra Low, a joint initiative between the government and motor industry to push the uptake of low-emissions cars, show that 22,480 plug-in cars have been registered so far this year.
June proved to be the most successful month, with 4,405 new electrified cars registered, a 33 per cent increase over June 2016, which Go Ultra Low attributes to growing demand from private buyers.
Transport minister Jesse Norman said: “It is great to see that electric and plug-in hybrid cars are helping more UK motorists to cut fuel costs and emissions.
The total number of plug-in cars on our roads is at record levels, with the latest figures showing that there are now over 100,000 plug-in cars and vans registered in the UK.”
Nissan’s all-electric LEAF hatchback was the single best-selling plug-in car in the first six months of this year, while demand for BMW’s plug-in hybrid 3 Series has risen 79.9 per cent since its launch last year.
Poppy Welch, head of Go Ultra Low, said: “Month after month we’re seeing record levels of registrations, demonstrating that the public awareness and appetite for electric and plug-in vehicles is growing.
“They are fast becoming a serious consideration for an increasing number of motorists who are switching on to the cost-saving and environmental benefits of driving an electric car.”
