EV momentum growing across Europe 

Data released by PwC has revealed that EV sales in the UK grew by over a fifth in the first quarter of 2023 to make up 53% of the sales market. 

Double-digit year-on-year growth was recorded in January (18%), February (25%) and March (24%), with hybrids accounting for 32% of all EVs sold, followed by battery (15%) and plug-in (six per cent). 

Meanwhile, the 10 largest European markets reported a combined 22% growth in EV sales, with 1,232,000 units sold in the first three months of the year. 

Cara Haffey, Head of Automotive at PwC UK, said, “The research findings highlight clear consumer momentum in the UK electric vehicle market, as motorists demonstrate their desire to make the switch to electric vehicles. The fact that hybrid electric vehicles are the preferred choice in the UK above fully electric BEV models, at least currently, could perhaps point towards some of the developing factors and talking points in the market, such as how best to expand UK charging infrastructure and addressing both charge and range ‘anxiety’ felt by current or aspiring EV motorists. 

“The challenge for government and policymakers is to work out how to maximise the charging infrastructure quickly across cities and rural locations, as the assumption that everyone can access a charging point easily is a false one.”