Recent figures show a declining trend in sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK, as motorists are somewhat reluctant to buy electric cars due to cost concerns. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has reported that the number of electric vehicles purchased by private owners has fallen from more than a third to less than a quarter over the course of a year.
In the first half of this year, only 24.2% of all electric vehicles purchased were purchased by private drivers, representing 37,000 new electric cars. This represents a decrease compared to the 41,800 electric vehicles sold to private drivers in the same period last year. The SMMT report highlights the lack of support from private buyers as a barrier to a faster transition to zero-emission vehicles. Many potential EV buyers are postponing their purchase due to concerns about affordability and uncertainty about the availability of charging infrastructure.
This decline in consumer interest in electric vehicles is also reflected in the market value. Tesla, for example, has had to reduce prices several times this year, resulting in a loss in the value of used models.
Amid growing consumer concerns, the British Prime Minister has announced a postponement of the ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles from 2030 to 2035. The decision is intended to give consumers more time to prepare for the transition to electric vehicles, recognizing the higher costs associated with electric vehicles compared to their traditional counterparts.
