British drivers becoming greener
SALES of plug-in cars increase in first six months of 2015, as buyers look to save money on motoring costs.
Electric cars have proved to be increasingly popular in Britain
Registrations of plug-in cars in the UK have increased in the first six months of this year, growing 256% against the same period last year and already exceeding 2014’s full-year total.
Analysis of sales figures by Go Ultra Low – a campaign to promote ultra-low emissions vehicles (ULEVs) – suggests that the cost savings that plug-in electric vehicles offer are attracting British car buyers. Registrations of 14,586 ULEVs from January to June constitute a large year-on-year increase, compared to the 4,096 sold in the first six months of 2014.
It also eclipses the 14,498 cars that qualified for the government’s Plug-in Car Grant in the 12 months of 2014.
Particularly attractive to potential buyers are the low running costs of plug-in cars, which are considerably cheaper than petrol or diesel-powered vehicles. Many electric cars can be driven for as little as 2p per mile, which is a fraction of the 10-12p for a conventional car.
Transport minister Andrew Jones said: “Soaring demand across the UK shows that more and more people view ultra-low emissions vehicles as the right choice for them. Plug-in cars are green, cheap to run and benefit both families and businesses.
"The Government is investing £500m over the next five years to help position Britain as a world leader in the technology, supporting skilled jobs and driving economic growth.”
The government is expecting that ULEVs will comprise 5% of new car registrations (which would account for around 100,000 units annually) by 2020, an estimate that would be achievable at the current rate of growth. And with 35 different plug-in car and van models currently on sale in the UK, there is now the variety that should help foster further growth.