FOUR regions across the UK have seen electric vehicle numbers more than double in the past 12 months, according to analysis of DVLA data by LeaseLoco. The figures look at pure-electric (battery electric) car registrations across the UK.
The car lease comparison site reports that the North West experienced the fastest growth compared to the same period in 2020, though the South West, Yorkshire & the Humber, and the South East all experienced triple-digit growth.
Up 214% on 2020’s figures, the North West saw almost 22,000 EVs registered in the region, compared to 7,005 in 2020. The South West saw the second highest levels of growth at 142%, now with 27,964 electric models on the road.
The greatest number of electric vehicles registered to any specific region is more than 51,000 models in the South East. Meanwhile, the North East lags behind the rest of the country in last place for total EVs registered, and second worst in terms of growth since last year at 54%.
| Region | Number of BEVs registered 2020 | Number of BEVs registered 2021 | % increase | |
| North West | 7005 | 21,993 | 214% | |
| South West | 11,554 | 27,964 | 142% | |
| Yorkshire & Humber | 6304 | 14,639 | 132% | |
| South East | 22,453 | 51,205 | 128% | |
| Scotland | 7529 | 14,808 | 97% | |
| East | 11,152 | 21,038 | 89% | |
| Northern Ireland | 1390 | 2549 | 83% | |
| East Midlands | 5793 | 10,047 | 73% | |
| London | 14,735 | 24,908 | 69% | |
| North East | 2323 | 3574 | 54% | |
| West Midlands | 11,628 | 16,888 | 45% | |
| Source: DVLA |
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco said: “These figures show the regions where consumers appear to be more committed to EV early switching, and regions where perhaps a jump start is needed. EVs still make up a small percentage of the total number of new car sales every month, with consumers expressing reservations around price and charging infrastructure.
“We have seen a threefold increase in electric car enquiries on the LeaseLoco platform, which shows the intent is there to switch to greener motoring, but many car owners while expressing interest are still not ready to make the leap. With the sale of new diesel and petrol cars banned from 2030, the next two to three years will be critical in ensuring that the switch to greener motoring stays on track.”
