Sales of battery-powered electric cars in the UK passed the one million mark in January, despite reduced demand from private buyers, according to data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

At the same time, the association asks the Government for support measures for buyers, in the budget that will be presented next month, Reuters reports.

In January, new car sales in the UK rose by 8.2% in August to 147,876 units, the best result since 2020. Dacia sold 2,087 vehicles on the British market, up 9.27% compared to the similar period from 2023, when it registered 1,910 units.

Sales of battery-electric cars rose 21% last month to 20,935 units, thanks to strong demand from companies, and registrations from private buyers fell 25.1%, a trend that will undermine the UK’s ability to – meet its climate objectives, warned SMMT, according to Agerpres.

Ahead of the Budget next month, the Association of UK Motor Manufacturers and Traders has called on the Government to support consumers by temporarily reducing VAT on purchases of battery-powered electric cars.

In the top of the best-selling models in January are Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, Nissan Qashqai, MG HS and BMW 1 Series.

SMMT predicts that in 2024 new car sales in the UK will reach 1.97 million units. Now, SMMT expects deliveries to be 4,000 units higher, but the market share of battery-powered electric cars is expected to stand at 21%, compared to a level of 22.3% estimated in October.

New car sales in the UK recorded their best year since the pandemic in 2023, as disruptions to supply chains eased and demand for electric vehicles (EVs) increased.

In 2023, Dacia sold 28,651 vehicles on the British market, an increase of 5.25% compared to 2022, when it registered 27,221 units.