Hybrid EV sales slump prompts investment calls

Figures showing the first drop in sales of low-emission vehicles for more than two years have prompted renewed calls for investment in charging infrastructure.

New figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) yesterday show that overall sales of what it categorises as “alternative-fuelled vehicles” (AFVs) declined 11.8 per cent to 13,314 units in June.

This marks the first decline in sales of AFVs, which covers all plug-in hybrid and battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs), since April 2017.

The figures come as Jaguar Land Rover announces it is investing hundreds of millions of pounds in EV manufacturing at its Castle Bromwich plant in Birmingham.

Sales of plug-in hybrids, continuing the recent downward trend, fell by 50.4 per cent during June, while those of hybrids also decreased, by 4.7 per cent.

However, registrations of battery-powered EVs were up by 61.7 per cent to 2,461, although this still only represents 1.1 per cent of the overall motor market.

The drop-in sales of AFVs follows withdrawal last November of government grants for purchases of hybrid vehicles and cuts in those available for electric cars.

Overall, the first half of this year saw a 3.4 per cent drop in new cars registrations to 1.27m.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Another month of decline is worrying but the fact that sales of alternatively fuelled cars are going into reverse is a grave concern. Manufacturers have invested billions to bring these vehicles to market but their efforts are now being undermined by confusing policies and the premature removal of purchase incentives.

“If we are to see widespread uptake of these vehicles, which are an essential part of a smooth transition to zero emission transport, we need world-class, long-term incentives and substantial investment in infrastructure.”