The UK car industry has downgraded its forecast for electric vehicle sales this year in the latest sign of pessimism in the industry over its ability to meet government targets for shifting away from fossil fuels.
The number of battery EVs sold in the UK in July rose by 18.8% on the figure a year ago, according to data published on Monday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
However, the lobby group said sales would grow more slowly than expected for the rest of the year. In April, it forecast that battery cars would account for 19.8% of sales during 2024, while it now puts that figure at 18.5%.
Some manufacturers are worried they will miss EV targets set by the UK government. Under the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, 22% of each carmaker’s sales must be pure battery cars in 2024, rising to 80% by 2030. However, manufacturers receive some exemptions for selling other types of car, and they can also borrow credits from other manufacturers.
The mandate is meant to push manufacturers to accelerate EV sales before a total ban on cars that emit carbon dioxide. Labour…
