Grey has retained its top spot as the UK’s most popular new car colour for the third year running, but drivers of electric vehicles have different priorities.

While grey was the top colour for both petrol and diesel cars, white was the most popular for pure electric vehicles whilst black was the most popular shade for plug-in hybrids

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that while 2020 was a tough year for new car registrations overall, 397,197 grey units were sold over the course of 2020, equating to a quarter (24.3%) of all new cars sold. Black and white took second and third place overall, with more than six in 10 (61.6%) of all new cars entering British roads in 2020 painted in these three colours.

But while grey was the top colour for both petrol and diesel cars, white was the most popular for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) whilst black was the most popular shade for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) 2020 was a bumper year for BEVs and PHEVs; together they accounted for more than one in 10 registrations – up from around one in 30 in 2019.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “2020 was a pretty dark year for the automotive industry and having grey as the top new car colour probably reflects the atmosphere. The sector, however, continues to provide valuable mobility, from vans delivering essential goods to private cars helping key workers do their jobs, and click and collect offers a lifeline for the industry, helping to keep manufacturing going. It cannot, however, replace the showroom experience and the sector has taken great steps to ensure dealers are Covid-secure with the flexibility to manage customer appointments so car buyers can choose a new car and colour in a safe environment.”