- UK Battery EV sales surge 21.4% year-over-year, a 19.6% market share.
- Government launches consultation on ICE vehicle phase-out by 2030.
- Manufacturers offer £4.5 billion in discounts to boost EV adoption.
UK EV (electric vehicle) sales reached an unprecedented milestone in 2024, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) achieving record sales of 381,970 units, marking a 21.4% increase from the previous year. Despite the growth, the industry fell short of the government’s mandated 22% market share target, settling at 19.6%.
December 2024 proved particularly strong for the sector, with BEV sales surging 56.8% year-over-year to 43,656 units, capturing a 31% market share – the highest since December 2022.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that manufacturers invested heavily in consumer incentives, offering discounts totalling more than £4.5 billion throughout 2024. However, the organisation warned that such manufacturer support “is not sustainable in the long term.”
Significant industry investment strengthened the UK’s position as Europe’s most successful EV market for the first time. The number of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) models available in the UK market increased by 38% to 132, representing a third of all available vehicle options.
Electric Vehicles UK CEO Dan Caesar expressed optimism about the market’s trajectory, stating, “We also see record private-used EV sales, which shows that the EV transition is happening.” He projected continued record numbers throughout 2025.
The broader UK automotive landscape showed positive signs, with overall new car registrations reaching 1.95 million units in 2024, up 2.6% year-over-year, marking the second consecutive year of growth. Traditional internal combustion engine vehicles saw their market share decline to 58.5%, down from 63.5% in 2023.
Regarding policy development, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced a new consultation on the phase out of petrol and diesel car sales from 2030, requiring all new cars and vans to be zero-emission by 2035. The government also unveiled plans to accelerate charging infrastructure deployment, including simplified planning rules and improved grid connections.
Favourable market conditions in the UK have further supported the transition to EVs, with Platts reporting significant decreases in battery material costs. Battery-grade lithium carbonate and hydroxide prices fell by 33% and 40%, respectively, in 2024, potentially making EVs more affordable for consumers.
As UK EV sales continue to set new records, the government’s commitment to electrification is gaining traction despite the challenges of meeting ambitious targets and building adequate charging infrastructure.
