SMMT data shows EV sales jump 59% in April: comment

Commenting on new car sales data for April from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) [1], Colin Walker, Head of Transport at the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said:

“With prices at the pump rising as a result of war in the Middle East, it’s no surprise to see EV sales jumping 59% in April. Drivers are voting with their feet seeking to shield themselves from these sudden jumps in the oil price, and save hundreds — even thousands — of pounds a year in running costs. Just recently Autotrader pointed out that EV sticker prices are now cheaper on average than petrol cars. [2] 

“With more than a quarter of new cars sold now EVs this reduces the UK’s demand for oil boosting energy security, with electric cars increasingly powered by electricity generated in British wind and solar farms. Calls from parts of the car industry to slow down the UK’s switch to EVs risks leaving our car industry in the slow lane, our drivers worse off, and the UK less energy secure. This is another step on the road to achieving net zero emissions.”