EV sales surge in UK as carmakers cut prices to dodge fines; still miss mandate
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Sales of battery-powered models jumped around 60% to nearly 44,000 units in December from a year earlier, according to preliminary data by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. EVs accounted for 31% of registrations, their highest monthly share in two years.
Despite the year-end surge, automakers failed to hit the annual target of 22% under the country's EV sales mandate. Manufacturers face fines of as much as £15,000 ($18,600) per vehicle for failing to comply, though can avoid penalties by using a credits-trading system and exceeding requirements in later years.
The UK government is now reviewing the rules, which could result in increased flexibilities to help manufacturers meet them. Clean-energy advocates have criticized efforts to water down the quota, arguing doing so will slow the shift away from the combustion engine.
The EV sales target rises to 28% this year, which SMMT Chief Executive Officer Mike Hawes said will be very difficult to meet. Discounts fueling current demand are unsustainable, he told reporters.
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