EU humiliated as UK claims major victory over Germany's car industry

For the first time, the UK has overtaken EU countries, becoming Europe's largest market for EVs (Image: Getty)

The UK has overtaken the EU in becoming Europe's biggest market for new electric vehicles after net zero targets caused manufacturers to offer models at more attractive prices.

According to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 381,970 fully-electric vehicles were sold throughout 2024, making up 19.6 percent of the overall market.

James Court, Public Policy Director at Octopus Electric Vehicles, noted that the figures show the UK's transition towards a ban on new petrol and diesel models is working.

He explained: "Unsurprisingly this is yet another strong set of sales figures for EVs. The ZEV [zero-emission vehicle] mandate is clearly working - even with the negativity being pushed by pockets of the industry.

"We need a swift conclusion to the uncertainty around the ZEV mandate and refocus efforts of indsutry and Government to make this transition a success - a story that cleans up our transport system and ensures jobs for years to come."

The Tesla Model Y crossover was the fifth-best-selling model on the new car market in 2024 (Image: Getty)

Whilst sales of electric vehicles remained strong in the UK, interest fell in Germany, with Schmidt Automotive Research highlighting that sales declined by 27 percent to just 380,609 over the 12-month period.

A reduction in Government subsidies also caused demand to decline slightly in France, where 291,143 EVs were purchased throughout 2024 - just under 17 percent of the overall new car market.

Traditionally, Germany and France were some of the biggest buyers of electric vehicles within the European Union, with only the non-EU nation of Norway having higher sales figures on the continent.

Manufacturer discounts have meant buyers regularly paid more than £10,000 under list price (Image: Getty)

One of the most significant reasons why the UK has overtaken the EU for electric vehicle sales is due to the controversial quota enforced by the Government, requiring manufacturers to sell a certain percentage of EVs.

With a target of 20 percent for 2024, many car companies resorted to heavily discounting the prices of their electric models in order to avoid a £15,000 fine for each unsold car.

As a result, UK buyers were able to get behind the wheel of a brand new MG ZS compact crossover for an average of £10,152 less than the standard price or DS3 premium hatchback for £13,681 under its normal value.

Whilst the quota has allowed a significant amount of new car buyers to drive a hard bargain, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, has warned that the discounts could cause long-term damage to vehicle manufacturers.

He added: "The industry is hurting; profitability and viability are in jeopardy and jobs are on the line. When the world changes, so must we. Workable regulation – backed with incentives – will set us up for success and green growth over the next decade."

The Government is currently reviewing its ZEV Mandate with a view to being fairer on car companies whilst maintaining its commitments to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel models by 2030.