Electric car demand surged in August. What does this mean for industry?

According to the latest figures from the SMMT, the new car market remained steady last month. Registrations fell by 1.6% in what is typically one of the quietest months of the year, as falling demand for diesel and plug-in hybrid vehicles continued.

Battery-powered electric cars saw a 377% increase compared to August last year, as new models are released and filled the growing demand.

The Tesla Model 3, which launched in the UK on 20^th June, overtook the Ford Focus to become the UK’s third best-selling car in August. 2,082 new Tesla Model 3s were registered in total, more than the Mercedes A-Class and Ford Kuga, as well as the Ford Focus. It was only beaten by the Ford Fiesta and VW Golf.

What does it mean for the UK electric vehicle industry?

The national demand for electric cars follows the global trend and forecasts of experts that the battery-powered vehicles will form a major part of transport in the future.

This consumer trend compliments the investment seen by the UK automotive industry’s manufacturers as well as the Government in the last year.

Jaguar Land Rover for example has committed to offering electrified options for all new Jaguar and Land Rover models from 2020, and this financial commitment relies on a strong consumer uptake.

If the Government does not encourage consumers to take up battery-powered cars, the gap between consumer demand and investment could seriously harm the automotive industry, at a time when uncertainty over Brexit and a global slowdown are already taking its toll.

“It’s great to see consumers respond to the massive industry investment made over many years,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

“While this is encouraging, these figures also show the scale of the challenge ahead. It’s a long road to zero and while manufacturers can deliver the technology, they can’t dictate the pace of uptake.”

Private sector investment in the last six months

• Triumph to work with industry partners on electric motorcycles


• Jaguar Land Rover and BMW to collaborate on electrification


• Electric vehicle charging company moves to Milton Keynes


• Made in Wales: Aston Martin’s first all-electric car revealed


• Jaguar Land Rover to manufacture new electric cars in the UK


• New UK facility to produce 30,000 lithium-ion batteries a year


• World's most powerful production car to be built in Norfolk

Government investment in the last six months

• Government invests £80m in next generation electric vehicles


• Electric car chargepoints to be in all new-build homes in England


• New centre for low carbon propulsion systems opens in Coventry


• New electric car battery technology centre to open in Coventry


• Government invests in five low carbon automotive projects


• Battery technology for electric vehicles to be developed in Wales