September's sharp decline in private EV sales fuelled by ICE ban delay

Private sales of new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) declined sharply in September – the same month that the government delayed the ICE car ban to 2035. During the month, private BEV sales fell 14.3% year on year to 11,684, with only fleet registrations (33,639, up 50.6%) allowing the vehicle type to record its 41st consecutive month of growth with a 18.9% uplift. Despite the month’s 45,323 BEV registrations, the drop in private sales meant its market share slipped to 16.6% – a minor, but significant, 0.3% fall on a year ago, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures show. This has sparked calls from industry leaders for more support to be given to private buyers – both through buying incentives and lowered public charging costs – especially with the recently released zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate coming into effect on 1 January. The ZEV mandate legally requires 22% of all manufacturers’ new car sales in the UK to be ZEVs in 2024, rising to 80% in 2030 and finally 100% in 2035. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “With tougher EV targets for manufacturers coming into force next year, we need to accelerate the transition, encouraging all motorists to make the switch. “This means adding carrots to the stick – creating private purchase incentives aligned with business benefits, equalising on-street charging VAT with off-street domestic rates and mandating charge point roll-out in line with how electric vehicle sales are now to be dictated." He added: “The forthcoming Autumn Statement is the perfect opportunity to create the conditions that will deliver the zero-emission mobility essential to our shared net zero ambition.” Nissan Qashqai takes September UK car top spot Overall, the UK new car market grew 21% in the month, with 272,610 registrations. The Nissan Qashqai was the best-seller in September with 8565 registrations, pipping the Ford Puma (8087) - the year’s current overall best-seller. Petrol was again the top-selling fuel type, with 105,463 registrations, up 15% year on year, followed by mild-hybrid petrol (46,383, up 31.8%) and BEVs (45,323). Diesel was the only powertrain to record a fall, down 4.2% to 9896. The new-numberplate month, which has traditionally delivered a surge in sales, was the country’s 14th consecutive month of growth and second busiest of the year after March (287,825). It was also the best September since 2020. However, registrations still remain 20.6% below pre-pandemic levels. As with BEV registrations, the overall growth was also driven by fleets, with the sector recording a 40.8% uplift in sales to 143,256 units – a market share of 52.5%. This market rebalancing comes after constrained supply in 2022 restricted deliveries to business and fleet customers, the SMMT said. Private consumer demand also grew, up 5.8% to 122,944 units.