UK Accelerates Into the Electric Era: 2024 EV Sales Hit New Records

In a momentous milestone for the United Kingdom’s transition to electric mobility, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) achieved unprecedented sales in 2024, with 381,970 new registrations representing nearly one-fifth of all new car sales. This marks a dramatic 21.4% increase from 2023’s figures.

To put this growth in perspective, BEV registrations climbed from a 16.5% market share in 2023 (when 314,687 vehicles were sold) to 19.6% in 2024 according to Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT). This expansion becomes particularly noteworthy when viewed alongside the simultaneous decline in traditional combustion engine vehicles. Diesel and petrol car registrations fell by 13.6% and 4.4% respectively, reflecting a clear market pivot toward electrified options.

The transition was especially pronounced in December 2024, which proved to be a landmark month for EVs. BEV sales surged by 56.8% compared to December 2023, with 43,656 new EV hitting British roads. During this same period, diesel vehicle sales plummeted by 27.4%, while gas vehicles sales decreased by 20.9%, underscoring the accelerating pace of the electric transition.

Notably, the Tesla Model Y emerged as the UK’s best-selling EV in 2024, with 32,862 units registered, though it ranked fifth in overall vehicle sales behind traditional and hybrid models.

As for the charging infrastructure sector, it has shown parallel growth, with over 73,000 public chargers now available across the UK. ChargeUK’s CEO Vicky Read emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum: “To ensure our members can continue to invest in the chargers, it’s essential we have a strong and stable policy framework.”

However, this growth story reveals a notable divide between fleet and private buyers. Fleet purchases drove the majority of EV adoption, with business buyers accounting for a record 59.6% of all new car registrations and showing particular enthusiasm for electric options – one in four fleet vehicle purchases were pure electric.

In contrast, private buyers were more hesitant, with only one in ten individual purchasers choosing a pure EV, and 60% still opting for petrol vehicles. Private buyer purchases actually declined by 8.7% to 746,276 units, dropping below even 2020’s pandemic-affected levels.

Despite the overall positive trajectory, the industry fell short of the government’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which required 22% of new vehicle sales to be zero-emission in 2024. This shortfall has sparked debate about the feasibility of future targets, which increase annually, reaching 80% by 2030. Several automakers, including Nissan, have expressed concerns about meeting these escalating requirements.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, while acknowledging the record achievement, expressed concerns about the sustainability of current growth patterns stating, “A record year for EV registrations underscores vehicle manufacturers’ unswerving commitment to a decarbonised new car market… This has come at huge cost, however, with the billions invested in new models being supplemented by generous incentives which are unsustainable.”

Read More: The UK Charges Forward: EVs Make Up 25% Of New Car Sales

As the UK government consults on potential adjustments to its 2030 fas and diesel car sales ban and the ZEV mandate targets, the EV industry stands at a crucial juncture. The success of 2024 indicates the market’s potential for EV adoption but also highlights the challenges in achieving government targets without broader private buyer participation and continued infrastructure development.

Want to learn more about EV? Thinking of buying an EV? Head over to EV.com discover more.