Greenpeace reaction to EV sales surge

New industry figures from New Automotive show how one in five new cars registered in the UK in August were fully electric – representing the strongest month for EV registrations in 2023. Meanwhile, registrations of both petrol and diesel cars fell to historic lows. The figures come ahead of the SMMT figures, scheduled to be published tomorrow morning (Tuesday, 5 Sept).

Commenting on the news, Greenpeace UK’s policy director, Doug Parr, said: 

“Electric cars are selling like hot cakes. However, with the government deciding to ‘side with motorists’, while pursuing an anti-green agenda, you have to wonder if ministers are foolishly ignoring these soaring sales and instead listening to the vested interests attempting to park EVs’ growth.

“Sunak may say the 2030 petrol and diesel phase out date is immovable, but unless he brings in the overdue mandate on manufacturers to ramp up production in order to meet it, the deadline is likely to be missed.

“Demand is clearly growing but, for the trajectory to continue, and for all motorists to be able to access the cheaper running costs that EVs bring, then prices must fall. And for that to happen the government needs to capitalise on this public appetite and stop dragging its feet by finally introducing the regulation, while rapidly ramping up charging infrastructure.”