UK motorists now have access to a record number of zero-emission vehicles, with two in five models being battery electric, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The increase is attributed to investments by manufacturers, offering over 130 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), more than 100 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and around 50 hybrids (HEVs).

The SMMT reports that manufacturers are dedicated to achieving zero-emission mobility.

The average BEV can now travel almost 480km on a single charge, up from last year’s 378km.

Some models even exceed 770km, more than twice the average weekly driving distance for motorists, the trade body said.

For those not ready to fully transition, PHEVs offer an electric-only range of nearly 80km, with some models reaching 140km.

New HEVs can operate in electric mode at low speeds, providing zero-emission driving options for consumers.

Electrified models now account for 45% of new UK car sales, spanning all segments from superminis to luxury saloons.

The market share for BEVs has grown to 20.4%, up from 16.9% in the prior year.  

However, this still falls short of the government’s 28% goal, prompting calls for policy measures to boost uptake. 

The industry advocates for halving VAT on new EV purchases, which could add 267,000 new EVs to the roads, reducing CO₂ emissions by six million tonnes a year.

Other suggestions include amending the VED Expensive Car Supplement and equalising VAT on public and home charging. 

SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said: “There’s never been a better time to go electric – with more choice, better vehicle range and improving infrastructure offering a compelling driving proposition.  

“But the market still is not moving fast enough so bold support for consumer EV uptake – notably investment in incentives and infrastructure – is needed to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and make switching open to all drivers.”