Electric car sales have reached their best-ever period in the first three months of 2016, the strongest UK figures since the government’s plug-in car grant was introduced.
Over 10,000 electric cars were sold in the first quarter according to analysis from Go Ultra Low and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Despite the reduction in discount, March marked the strongest ever month for UK electric sales, with 7,144 vehicles sold – the previous best was 6,104 in March 2014. The encouraging start to the year comes after new registrations in 2015 exceeded the previous five years combined.
Commenting on the figures, Transport Minister Andrew Jones said “These record figures show that hundreds of people every week are coming round to the fact that plug-in cars are cleaner, greener and cheaper to run. The UK is a world leader in the uptake of low emission vehicles and our long-term economic plan is investing £600 million by 2020 to improve air quality, create jobs and achieve our goal of every new car and van in the UK being ultra-low emission by 2040.”
Over the past 12 months, the UK ranks as the biggest major market and second only to the Netherlands in total EV registrations, with 28,715 new plug-in cars representing one fifth of the European Union’s collective EV sales.
Before committing to a purchase of a low-emission vehicle, it is beneficial to test the car in your day to day life - making sure that the vehicle suits your needs. As experts in low-emission rental, Green Motion have a fleet of electric and hybrid cars with staff that can help you in selecting the right vehicle.
To find out more about the range of vehicles we have on offer for hire, call 0333 888 4000 today.