Brits spoiled for choice as EV options hit record high

Want to make the switch to electric? There’s never been a better time. UK drivers now have more electrified models to choose from than ever before, with four out of five new car models offering some form of electric power – whether that’s a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or a regular hybrid (HEV).

The number of fully electric models on the market has soared to more than 130, up from 102 last year, according to new data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). There are also over 100 plug-in hybrids and nearly 50 hybrids available, giving buyers real choice across the board.

More range means more flexibility

Today’s electric vehicles go further, too. The average range of a new BEV is now nearly 300 miles on a single charge – a big jump from 235 miles just a year ago. Some premium models, like the Tesla Model S or Mercedes EQS, can exceed 400 miles under official test conditions, double the distance most UK drivers travel in an average week.

If you’re not ready to go fully electric, plug-in hybrids are a solid middle ground. Many now offer around 50 miles of pure electric driving, with some stretching up to 88 miles, such as the Volkswagen Golf eHybrid – enough to handle most daily commutes without using any petrol. Even regular hybrids can drive short distances on electric power alone, particularly in low-speed, stop-start city traffic.

There are EVs for every budget

Electric cars are no longer just for luxury buyers. There’s growing availability of affordable models such as the MG4 EV, Fiat 500e, and Dacia Spring, which offer compact sizes and lower price points. In fact, electrified options now exist in every market segment: from small city cars and family SUVs to premium saloons and sports cars.

It’s no surprise, then, that electrified vehicles now account for 45% of all new car sales in the UK, with BEVs making up 20.4% – a healthy increase from 16.9% last year, according to the SMMT data.

Still, that’s short of the government’s target of 28% BEV sales for this year. To close the gap, industry leaders are calling for stronger action to support consumer adoption.

So, what is the industry asking for?

The SMMT is urging the government to:

• Halve VAT on new electric vehicle purchases – a move that could put 267,000 more EVs on the road annually.
• Scrap or revise the ‘Expensive Car’ tax (VED supplement) that currently penalises many EV buyers.
• Level the playing field by charging the same VAT rate on public EV charging as at home.

“There’s never been a better time to go electric – with more choice, better vehicle range and improving infrastructure offering a compelling driving proposition,” said SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes. “But the market still isn’t moving fast enough. Bold support for consumer EV uptake is needed to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and make switching open to all drivers.”

A snapshot of an electric future

Carwow has outlined 10 key actions the government should take to support motorists in their ‘The Future of Motoring Manifesto,’ many of which focus on electric car incentives.

1. Reduce VAT to 5% on all EV charging
2. Improve personal safety at charging points
3. Fund home-based charging points
4. Invest in improving EV infrastructure
5. Introduce grants for new and used EVs
6. Help public building car parks add charging
7. Make EV insurance costs more affordable
8. Bring transparency to clean air zones
9. Introduce national try an EV day
10. Compulsory charging points at major retail sites

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