UK drivers embrace green technology as sales of electric vehicles rise

Sales of electric vehicles have almost doubled compared to the first three months of last year.

The SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders) reports that 4,634 pure electric vehicles have been registered since January, up 46.5 per cent on the same period last year.

Registrations of other electric plug in vehicles has dropped slightly by 5.6 per cent but sales of petrol-electric hybrids are also up significantly, by 47.4 per cent.

Tim Payne, CEO of electric charging infrastructure company InstaVolt, says the figures are highly encouraging.

He said: “It’s further evidence that UK drivers are embracing green technology and see electric vehicles as the future. What’s particularly exciting is the fact that sales of pure electric plug-ins in particular have soared. Buyers aren’t just dipping their toes in the water, they are prepared to dive right in.”

InstaVolt, headquartered in Basingstoke, aims to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions by making the UK an easier place to drive an electric vehicle. It is currently on a mission to install 3,000 rapid charging units across the UK by 2020.