One in every 12 cars sold in the UK in August was electric

A record-breaking one in every 12 cars sold in the UK in August was hybrid or pure electric.

The year-on-year boost of 88.7%, revealed in new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), meant alternatively-fuelled vehicles made up 8% of the market.

Demand rose 23.1% year-on-year for all new cars, but the overall market in the year to date remained down by 4.2%.

“It’s great to see such strong growth, particularly in the important electric vehicle market,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

“However, given August is always a small month in new car registrations ahead of the important plate-change month of September, it would be wrong to view the market as booming. Indeed, this past month has seen some significant variances as regulatory changes have disrupted some supplies. In the long term, however, the new emissions certification test will give consumers renewed confidence in the performance of all vehicles, helping them choose the latest, cleanest technology that best suits their driving needs, whether that be petrol, diesel, hybrid or plug-in.”

Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.