Battery electric vehicles become Britain’s second most popular powertrain in 2022

BEV surpasses diesel for the first time to become second most popular powertrain after petrol

Battery electric vehicles become Britain’s second most popular powertrain in 2022
Image: Bigstock.

Battery electric vehicle registrations surpassed diesel for the first time in 2022, making it the second most popular powertrain after petrol.

The UK new car market recorded its fifth consecutive month of growth in December, with an 18.3 per cent increase to reach 128,462 new registrations, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Despite underlying demand, pandemic-related global parts shortages saw overall registrations for the year fall by 2 per cent to 1.61 million, around 700,000 units below pre-Covid levels.

December saw battery electric vehicles (BEVs) claim their largest ever monthly market share, of 32.9 per cent, while for 2022 as a whole they comprised 16.6 per cent of registrations.

Related: IGA welcomes report highlighting independent garage sector as key to UK’s EV future

Meanwhile, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) saw their annual share decline to 6.3 per cent, meaning that combined, all plug-in vehicles accounted for 22.9 per cent of new registrations in 2022.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) also enjoyed growth, rising to an 11.6 per cent market share for the year.

While private buyers accounted for more than half of all registrations, fleets and business buyers were responsible for the lion’s share of battery electric vehicles, accounting for two thirds (66.7 per cent) of all BEV registrations and 74.7 per cent of the volume gain in 2022.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The automotive market remains adrift of its pre-pandemic performance but could well buck wider economic trends by delivering significant growth in 2023.

“To secure that growth – which is increasingly zero emission growth – government must help all drivers go electric and compel others to invest more rapidly in nationwide charging infrastructure.

Related: Audi to phase out combustion models and go all-electric by 2033

“Manufacturers’ innovation and commitment have helped EVs become the second most popular car type.

“However, for a nation aiming for electric mobility leadership, that must be matched with policies and investment that remove consumer uncertainty over switching, not least over where drivers can charge their vehicles.”

Looking ahead, supply chains are beginning to stabilise and although the shortage of semiconductors is expected to ease, erratic supply will likely impact manufacturing throughout 2023.

The most recent market outlook, published in October 2022, anticipates around 1.8 million new car registrations in 2023, worth around £8.4 billion in additional turnover.

1 Comment

  1. No thanks, inverters that have otp mcu in them you cant do anything with!

    Batteries that fail and nasty chemicals inside

    Reply

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