A greater proportion of electric cars were sold last month than at any point this year, industry data shows.
More than a quarter (26.5%) of cars sold in August were electric vehicles (EVs), according to figures from motor lobby group the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
It’s the largest amount of sales since December 2024 and comes as the government introduced financial incentives to help drivers make the move to zero tailpipe emission cars.
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The full suite of grants were not available during the month, however, with a further 35 models eligible for £1,500 off early in September.
Throughout August more models became eligible for price reductions, meaning more consumers could be tempted to purchase an EV in September.
The increased percentage of EV sales came despite an overall 2% drop in buying, compared to a year earlier, in what is typically the quietest month for car purchases.
What are the rules?
The numbers suggest the car industry could be on course to meet the government’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, the thinktank Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) has said.
It stipulates that new petrol and diesel cars may not be sold from 2030.
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Amid pressure from industry, the government altered the mandate in April to allow for hybrid vehicles, which are powered by both fuel and a battery, to be sold until 2035.
Sales of new petrol and diesel vans are also permitted until 2035.
Until then, 28% of cars…
