March was the best month for sales of new battery electric cars on record - RAC comment

Reacting to new figures on car sales published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said:

“Despite the ongoing effect of the pandemic, when it comes to electric car sales March was a remarkable month – it was the best single month for sales of new zero-emission electric cars on record, beating last December by less than 100 sales. Plug-in hybrids also sharply rose in popularity, with the number sold 40% higher than in September, the last best month for sales.

“Fleet sales last month were particularly strong. Having a healthy fleet market for battery electric vehicles is vital, as these will be what end up on the second hand car market in the coming years. In turn, this will help ensure that cleaner vehicles are within the reach of many more drivers who have modest budgets.

“The RAC is leading the way when it comes to supporting drivers to go electric, with an increasing number of patrol vans fitted with emergency mobile chargers. And on the rare occasions when an electric car needs to be recovered, most vans feature the RAC’s All-Wheels-Up system allowing the vast majority to be safely rescued with no need for a flatbed.”