Experts estimate that around one million electric vehicles will be sold across the EU in 2020, with record numbers being achieved in the UK month-on-month.
The figure consolidates the EU as the world’s second largest electric car market, with sales expected to be around half and half for battery electric and plug-in hybrids.
Think tank Transport & Environment (T&E) said that the prediction shows that car manufacturers were “finally preparing to bring to market the large numbers of more fuel efficient and affordable electric cars required” by EU regulations. In fact, the number of electric car models on the European market is expected to triple by 2021.
Julia Poliscanova, director of clean vehicles at T&E, said: “We are going to see good quality, affordable EVs in the next year or two, not ten, and that's excellent news for consumers who'll be saving lots of money at the pump.”
UK progress
There are now believed to be nearly 200,000 electric vehicles on UK roads, up from around 6,000 just eight years ago.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), uptake of zero emission vehicles is continuing to hit record figures, reaching a 3.4 per cent market share of car sales in August. The total market share for low emission models - including hybrids - reached nearly 10 per cent.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “August is typically the new car market’s quietest month so the huge increase in EV registrations is very visible but especially welcome. It’s great to see consumers respond to the massive industry investment made over many years.”
Businesses are increasingly becoming a key driving force behind the growth of the electric vehicle market. Most recently, Amazon revealed plans to purchase 100,000 electric delivery vehicles by 2030 - the largest global order to date.
