Electric vehicles thriving despite general car trouble
Sales of new cars in 2021 were 28.7% below their 2019 level, which is largely down to the coronavirus's continued presence across the country, as well as global supply issues.
For electric vehicles to have such remarkable success in a generally troubled time for the industry is a promising sign for the future of eco-friendly cars.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "Despite the challenges, the undeniable bright spot is the growth in electric car uptake.
"A record-breaking year for the cleanest, greenest vehicles is testament to the investment made by the industry over the past decade and the inherent attractiveness of the technology."
He also urged the government to respond to the rising enthusiasm for electric vehicles by building the necessary infrastructure.
He said: "The biggest obstacle to our shared net zero ambitions is [...] cost and charging infrastructure.
"Recent cuts to incentives and home charging grants should be reversed and we need to boost the roll out of public on-street charging with mandated targets."
The government dedicated £620 million to "zero emission vehicle grants and EV Infrastructure" in October's Net Zero Strategy.
However, a Department for Transport spokesperson confirmed to The Eco Experts that the funding still hasn't been allocated.
