171 electric cars and counting: why there's never been a better time to switch

171 electric cars and counting: why there's never been a better time to switch

If "there isn't an EV that suits me" has been your reason for holding off, that excuse is running out of road. UK drivers can now choose from 171 fully electric models, double the number available three years ago, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Since 2023, manufacturers have launched 85 new battery-electric models. That works out at nearly one new EV every two weeks.

An EV for every kind of driver

The days of electric meaning a small hatchback or a premium price tag are well behind us. There are now electric options in every major segment, from city cars and family hatchbacks to executive saloons, SUVs and sports cars.

Add in 109 plug-in hybrids and 52 hybrids, and more than three quarters of the UK's new car range can now drive at least part of the time with zero tailpipe emissions. Across all powertrains, drivers can pick from 385 models and more than 60 brands.

For anyone choosing a car through salary sacrifice, that means far more freedom to find something that genuinely fits your life, your commute and your budget.

Range anxiety? The numbers say otherwise

According to the SMMT, the latest EVs can typically cover more than 300 miles on a single charge. The average UK driver does around 127 miles a week, so for most people a full battery comfortably covers more than a week of normal driving.

That leap in range comes from years of manufacturer investment in battery technology, vehicle platforms and production. With new models taking three to five years to develop, many of the cars arriving now were planned long before EV demand really took off, so expect the choice to keep growing.

Better for your wallet and the planet

Manufacturer discounts and the Government's Electric Car Grant are helping bring down costs on qualifying models. Meanwhile, the SMMT estimates that the shift to electric, alongside cleaner hybrid and petrol models, is cutting new car CO2 emissions by more than 500,000 tonnes a year.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said Britain's new car market "has never offered so much choice", with zero emission motoring now available in every shape and size.

How FleetEV makes the switch simple

More choice is great, but it can also make deciding harder. That's where we come in.

Through a FleetEV salary sacrifice scheme, you can drive a brand new or used electric car for a fixed monthly cost taken from your gross salary, before tax and National Insurance. Insurance, maintenance and servicing are included, so there are no surprise bills. And because EVs benefit from low Benefit in Kind rates, the savings compared with buying or leasing privately can be significant.

Whether you're after a practical family SUV, a nippy runaround or something a bit more exciting, our team can help you narrow down 171 options to the one that's right for you.

Ready to find your next EV?

Browse cars and get a quote at salsac.app.fleetev.com, call us on 0333 016 9630 or email [email protected].