UK hits one million electric vehicles milestone - RAC reaction

Following the latest new car registration statistics from the SMMT, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:

“Following a slower December for new battery-electric car registrations, it’s great that more than one million pure electric vehicles have now been registered from new. While this milestone proves there’s plenty of consumer appetite for plug-in vehicles, there’s increased pressure on manufacturers to make sure supply meets demand this year as 22% of all new cars sold must be zero-emission models.

“The Government must also play its part by stimulating demand at scale and making zero-emission driving more affordable. We urge the Chancellor, in March’s budget, to reintroduce a form of the plug-in car grant aimed at the cheaper end of the EV market and cut VAT on public chargers to match the 5% rate levied on domestic electricity. This would make charging significantly more affordable for those who can’t charge at home or those who regularly have to recharge on long journeys.”