New figures by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that the millionth pure battery electric car has been registered in January in the UK.
The SMMT are expecting pure battery electrics to account for more than one in five new cars registered.
The SMMT are urging the Treasury to temporarily cut VAT in half on pure battery electric vehicles to get more people to but the cars.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It’s taken just over 20 years to reach our million EV milestone but with the right policies, we can double down on that success in just another two.
“Market growth is currently dependent on businesses and fleets.
“Government must, therefore, use the upcoming Budget to support private EV buyers, temporarily halving VAT to cut carbon, drive economic growth and help everyone make the switch.
“Manufacturers have been asked to supply the vehicles. We now ask Government to help consumers buy the vehicles on which net zero depends.”
Ian Plummer, commercial director at online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader, said: “Britain’s millionth new electric vehicle sale is a real milestone moment for the market.
“Considering the pressure on car manufacturers to meet a 22% electric vehicle sales target under the ZEV (zero-emission vehicles) mandate this year, it’s a good time to be an electric vehicle buyer with some manufacturers offering EV discounts as high as 40%.
“Electric vehicles may account for one in five sales this year, but there is still more ministers can do.
“Equalising the VAT on private and public charging points would boost running-cost savings and encourage more people to make the switch to electric.”
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