Department for Transport response to latest SMMT stats on electric vehicles and car sales

A Department for Transport spokesperson said:

“December has yet been another record month for new electric cars, with nearly one in three of all vehicles sold being battery electric and 382k EVs sold across 2024”.

“Thanks to the flexibilities in the ZEV Mandate, we’re confident the whole market has complied with the 22% target and that no car manufacturer will need to pay fines.

“We’ve invested over £2.3 billion to support industry and consumers make the switch, rolled out more than 72,000 public chargers, and launched a consultation to invite the sector to shape how we achieve the transition to ZEVs.

“Getting this transition right as more people make a switch to electric vehicles will support the growth of the UK market and will provide an opportunity to tap into a multibillion-pound industry that will create high paid jobs for decades to come.”

Background:

• As part of the flexibilities in the ZEV mandate, manufacturers also have a CO2 target as well as a target on the number of vehicles sold. The CO2 target is based on their emissions in 2021. If a manufacturer beats their CO2 target (i.e. has lower emissions than in 2021) they can convert the amount they beat it the CO2 target by towards ZEV compliance. Preliminary DfT/DVLA Data suggests that when this is taken into account, the car market as a whole will have achieved the 22% ZEV Mandate target.
• Some EVs sold through private leasing, including leases that benefit from salary sacrifice that the Government supports, are being recorded as fleet vehicle sales when they are often being used as private cars.
• We’re restoring the 2030 phase-out date to stop the sale of new purely petrol and diesel cars - giving industry the clarity and confidence to invest in Britain.
• We are also consulting with industry on which cars, including which types of hybrid cars, can be sold alongside fully zero-emission vehicles from 2030.
• We’re making good progress in rolling out chargepoints across the country, with more than 72,000 public chargers across the UK. The rollout of chargepoints is supported by £6 billion of private investment by 2030 and £200m government investment in 2025/26.
• With 56 public chargers added on average to the network every day in 2024, 24/7 helplines, and up-to-date chargepoint locations, it’s never been easier for drivers to charge their EVs.
• Charging infrastructure will continue to match the rising sales of EVs, with another 100,000 chargers planned by local authorities all across England under the government’s Local EV Infrastructure Fund