New electric car sales figures from SMMT - RAC reaction

Following the release of new car sales data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), RAC data insight spokesman Rod Dennis said:

“While new car registrations are well down on 2018 and 2019 it is very much an improving picture, and the story for electrified vehicles is particularly encouraging.

“Nearly 40,000 battery electric cars were sold in the first four months of 2021 which is more than were sold in the first seven months of last year and more than all of 2019. Sales of pure EVs now account for 7.2% of all cars sold – its highest ever figure.

“Sales of all electrified vehicles are increasing all the time at the expense of both diesel and petrol. Diesel car sales represented just 11% of total sales, down from 16% last year and a high point of 51% (50.8%) in 2012. Petrol car sales have now fallen below 50% for the first time since 2016 having been as high as 65% (64.8%) two years ago.

“Looking at the number of battery electric cars sold in just the first four months of the year it seems entirely plausible as life becomes increasingly more normal that total pure EV sales at the end of 2021 could top 150,000.

“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.”