UK car sales hit post-Covid high for May as Chinese EV makers gain ground British car sales in May reached their highest level since before the Covid pandemic, with a 7% increase in registrations. Sales of battery electric cars saw the fastest growth, accounting for over 27% of the market, with Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Chery significantly expanding their presence. This surge in demand for EVs is attributed to greater consumer choice, the availability of grants, and rising fuel prices, although manufacturers are lobbying for a review of mandatory sales targets.

• UK car registrations rose by 7% in May, reaching their highest level for the month since before the Covid pandemic.
• Sales of battery electric cars grew the fastest, making up more than 27% of the market.
• Chinese manufacturers BYD and Chery saw substantial sales increases, with BYD’s sales doubling and Chery’s increasing fivefold in the first five months of the year.
• Tesla recorded a 45% sales increase in May.
• The rise in electric car demand is linked to increased choice, grants, and high fuel prices.
• Private buyers, rather than corporate fleets, drove the strongest May increase in sales since 2019.
• Manufacturers are lobbying for a further review of the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandatory sales targets, seeking to weaken them.
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) allow carmakers to lower their ZEV targets.