EVs take off

July EV registrations back up what EV dealerships are saying – that EVs are flying out the door.

That’s particularly true for new light pure electrics like the Tesla Model 3, and even new light plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) such as the Mitsubishi Outlander.

EV registrations recorded in July (the first month the Clean Car Discount or rebate part of the “feebate” applied) surged by 1916 from 27,938 in June to 29,854 in July, the latest Ministry of Transport figures reveal.

New light pure electrics went up 755 from 7023 in June to 7778 in July, while used light pure electric registrations rose 520 (from 13, 819 to 14,339) – most of those the Nissan Leaf with 488 units sold.

Registrations of new light plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) during July also hit some records, up 430 on the previous month (4237 to 4667) with used light PHEVs up 203 (2604 to 2807).

Heavy EVs are still struggling to make much headway – up by eight from 255 in June to 263 in July.

August could be another big month for EVs too, depending on supply, the semiconductor shortage and shipping constraints.

“Sales of EVs, new and used, have skyrocketed in July hitting a record sold, according to provisional Ministry of Transport figures – more than a thousand above the previous record month in March 2021,” Drive Electric chair Mark Gilbert says.

“The Clean Car Discount started on July 1 and appears to have driven unprecedented demand for EVs.

“We will continue to monitor the uptake over the coming months, but early signs are very encouraging, particularly given some importers faced stock shortages,” Gilbert adds.

“Members are telling us that they have never seen consumer interest in electric vehicles quite like it. Hits on the Drive Electric website, which independently details EV models available, are also up by tens of thousands.

“There has been some public debate about this policy, but at its core it’s about encouraging the uptake of e-mobility, while maintaining choice.”