U.K. Electric-Vehicle, PHEV Demand Charging Ahead

Sales of new electric vehicles in the U.K. soared 94% last year to 28,188 units, more than the past five years’ totals combined.

Government and motor-industry-backed Go Ultra Low says the popularity of plug-in vehicles shows no sign of slowing with an even greater selection of ultra-low-emission vehicles due to be launched in 2016. It says sales in 2015 eclipsed the 21,486 total of PHEVs sold between 2010 and 2014.

“Fueling the demand is a greater choice of models, with 30 pure-electric or plug-in hybrid cars now available in the U.K., and more are on the way in 2016,” Go Ultra Low says in a statement.

PHEVs proved most popular among motorists last year, with sales soaring 137% to 18,254 units. All-electric vehicle sales increased 48% to 9,934 units.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones says the government has increased its support for PHEVs vehicles to £600 million ($860.8 million) over the next five years “to cut emissions, create jobs and support our cutting-edge industries.”

The top three best-selling EVs made up just over a third of all plug-in sales. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV topped sales for the second consecutive year, up 118% to 11,681 units. The Nissan Leaf followed, up 29% to 5,236 units, ahead of the BMW i3, up 59% to 2,213.

The government anticipates 5% of new car sales – about 100,000 units – will be ultra-low emission by 2020.

Go Ultra Low is operated by a consortium of automakers, the U.K. government and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It aims to educate the public and fleet audiences about plug-in vehicles by addressing outdated myths and highlighting benefits, including how they offer competitive practicality for both private and business users.