Plug-in cars soar to record high in UK

The number of plug-in electric cars on British roads grew by three-quarters last year, according to new data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

There are now a record 195,410 plug-in vehicles (pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids) on our roads.

Overall ownership of alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) increased by almost 30% last year, with more than 620,000 hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric cars now in use.

The data also revealed that CO2 emissions fell to the lowest ever level, despite a record 34.9 million cars on the road, as more drivers benefit from advanced low emission vehicle technology, including lightweight materials and aerodynamics.

Elsewhere, female car ownership remains at a record high, surpassing 2017’s level by 1.4%, with more than 12 million cars now owned by women. Cars registered to men also rose moderately by 0.5% to almost 17.9 million.

Meanwhile, the colours of Britain’s cars closely follows trends seen in the new car market, with black coming top, knocking silver off the top spot. More than seven million (20.1%) cars on the road are black, closely followed by silver and, in third place, blue.

“Thanks to massive investment from manufacturers in delivering a wide range of models across all fuel types, to suit all driving needs, environmental gains are now being delivered across the UK,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.