UK hits one million electric vehicles milestone - RAC reaction

Image: Getty. All rights reserved
Image: Getty. All rights reserved

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.”

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The RAC, an iconic UK brand, provides complete peace of mind to nearly 14 million UK private and business drivers, whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

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