New figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that car production in the UK declined by an alarming 9.8% in 2022 to a total of 775,014 units.
December capped off a turbulent year, with production dropping by 17.9% for the month after seeing growth in October and November. Most of the output for the year was lost in the first half.
Despite these difficulties, the UK factories achieved a record 234,066 electric vehicles, including battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV).
This is a 4.5% increase on the previous year and accounts for 30.2% of all car production.
The production of BEV vehicles rose by 4.8%, while hybrid output increased by 4.3%. This is an important step towards achieving net zero emissions for both the UK and international markets.
Consumer confidence is a major factor in the surge of electric vehicle sales. The increasing availability of electric vehicles, including more affordable options, is also driving the trend.
Additionally, the growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional vehicles and the increasing availability of public charging infrastructure are encouraging more people to switch to electric vehicles.
Government incentives, such as tax credits and subsidies, are also helping to make electric vehicles more attractive to consumers. Finally, the increasing popularity of ride-sharing services and the need for fleets to become greener is boosting demand for electric vehicles.
Source: SMMT
