UK fleet and private drivers have a record choice of electrified models with four in five new cars available as battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or hybrid – and almost two in five completely zero-emission.

More than 130 BEVs are now available in the UK, up from 102 a year ago, while there are also over 100 PHEV models and nearly 50 full hybrids, according to new analysis by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The average range of BEVs now stands at almost 300 miles on a single charge, up from 235 last year, with PHEVs offering an average 50 miles of zero-emission driving and some models able to offer as much as 88 miles of zero-emission motoring. And the newest HEVs are able to travel in electric mode, and with zero emissions, at low speeds.

Electrified models now make up 45% of UK new car sales and are available in every segment – from superminis to compact crossovers, luxury saloons and sportscars – and at all price points. Crucially, an increasing number of more compact, lower-cost BEVs are coming to market, bringing electric motoring to more drivers.

As a result, BEVs now hold a 20.4% share of the UK new car market, up from 16.9% a year ago. But despite this growth, natural market demand is still well below the mandated government target of 28% this year and the industry has called again for bold action to deliver a package of measures to boost uptake.

Key asks from the industry include a halving of VAT on new EV purchases – which the industry says would put 267,000 additional new EVs – rather than fossil fuel vehicles – on the road,  driving down CO2 emissions by six million tonnes a year.

The SMMT has also called for the Government to scrap or amend the VED Expensive Car Supplement and equalise VAT paid on public charging to that levied at home.

Mike Hawes, chief executive, said: “There’s never been a better time to go electric – with more choice, better vehicle range and improving infrastructure offering a compelling driving proposition. But the market still isn’t moving fast enough so bold support for consumer EV uptake – notably investment in incentives and infrastructure – is needed to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and make switching open to all drivers.”

Simon Smith, chief commercial officer Instavolt, said the figures give added strength to UK charge point operators plans.

“News that the automakers are fully committed to electrification is no surprise, the direction of travel is clear and gives us increased confidence to keep deploying world-class charging infrastructure across the UK, just like our Winchester Superhub. This is exactly the kind of signal the industry needs right now, having invested huge amounts of private capital into charging.”

Fiona Howarth, director at Octopus Electric Vehicles, added: “Consumers have such a huge choice of electric car now – with over 100 available, following a surge of affordable models being launched. With battery prices plummeting, amazing tech and low running costs – the trend is clear. Our research shows once people switch to electric, 96% would never go back.”