More than 72,000 electric cars registered in 2019

By Danny Morgan

Last updated: Nov 30th 2022

Share article

EV growth has continued for the 8th year in the row, with more than 72,000 plug-in cars registered in the UK in 2019.

According to Go Ultra Low, the campaign to raise awareness of electric vehicles, the electric car market grew by 21% in 2019 making 2019 the most successful year for electric cars so far.

In fact, for the first time fully electric cars accounted for more than half of the total plug-in car market, with 52% of sales.

The number of fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars registered in the UK to date is 271,524, with the South East seeing the highest demand at 26,136 vehicles registered. This was followed by the West Midlands (11,623), South West (8,128), Yorkshire and the Humber (7,566), and East Anglia (5,373).

Poppy Welch, Head of Go Ultra Low said: “In the context of the wider new car market, it is encouraging to see plug-in car registrations continue to go from strength-to-strength. Looking at the year ahead, 2020 is set to be another fantastic year for electric car uptake.

“With even more new models being released, ongoing government support, as well as the continued expansion of the public charging infrastructure, we’re confident that the next 12 months will be a landmark year for the nation’s switch to electric.”

Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary, said: “These record figures show the Government’s world-leading £1.5bn programme encouraging people to switch to clean transport and improve air quality is working.

“I want 2020 to be the year electric cars go mainstream. That’s why we are doubling-down our efforts to make owning an electric vehicle the new normal.”