We were convinced 2020 would be dominated by C for carbon-neutral. However, C for Covid-19 has definitely stolen the show. Covid-19 has impacted every part of our lives, and that includes car sales, especially EV sales.Shortcode
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON CAR SALES
In April 2020, car sales were down 97%. A month of lockdown restrictions was seriously taking its toll as sales levels were the lowest since the end of the second world war.
Over the past year, car dealers have had to dramatically change the way they work. The combination of financial and employment insecurity has meant it’s not been an ideal time to buy a new vehicle for many.
With non-essential shopping being restricted and social distancing measures, buyers have been unable to view cars in person or test drive. Car dealers have had to find new ways of advertising and selling their stock, such as click and collect.
The pandemic has depressed sales and fast-forward a year and the market is just beginning to improve. Figures from March 2021 were still down by roughly 37% compared to sales over the last decade. As Covid-19 restrictions come to an end we hope to see the car industry recover.Shortcode
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON EV SALES
While the sales of fuel-powered vehicles are near the lowest on record, this has been the best year for electric vehicles. Figures from the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders show battery and plug-in hybrid electric cars together accounted for more than one in 10 registered vehicles in 2020. This has increased from roughly one in 30 in 2019.
UK EV sales hit record highs in March 2021! March is traditionally the biggest month for the motoring industry, but the demand for greener vehicles has massively increased.
The sales of battery electric cars and hybrid plug-ins has increased to a whopping 13.9%, which is up from 7.3% a year earlier. Despite gas-powered vehicle trade being lower than before the pandemic, it seems there is a sign of acceleration to switch to cars with lower carbon emissions.
There are now over 100 plug-in hybrid car models available in the UK, and manufacturers are scheduled to release over 35 more in 2021. We’re super excited to see where the EV market goes this year! Let’s have a look at some of our favourite EVs coming out this year.Shortcode
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the manufacturer’s newest all-electric model. It’s a family crossover SUV, similar to the Volkswagen ID.4. Being named ‘Car of the Year 2021’ by Auto Express, we have high expectations for the Ioniq 5.
There are two battery options available. The range kicks off with a 58kWh battery which guarantees 235 miles of range. If you opt for the larger 72.6kWh battery, the range bumps up to 280 miles.
One of the Ioniq’s best features is its ability to support 800-volt charging. That’s double the standard of current EVs and is usually reserved for luxury models such as the Porsche Taycan or the Audi e-tron.
This powerful charging system means that the Ioniq 5 is capable of charging up to 80% in just 18 minutes. Ultimately, that means 5 minutes on charge will give you an extra 60 miles of range.
2. Skoda Enyaq iV
The new Skoda Enyaq iV is the Czech firm’s first bespoke electric car. It’s an excellent first entry into the EV market, offering space, practicality and refinement.
Again, this EV is available with two different battery sizes. First the Enyaq iV 60, which has a 58kWh battery fitted and provides drivers with 255 miles of range. Whereas the Enyaq iV 80 offers 77kWh of usable energy and a maximum of 330 miles of range.
This EV also has a pretty quick charging system! With a rapid charger the Enyaq iV charges up to 80% in only 35 minutes. This makes the Enyaq iV a practical, usable car for most types of driving. Plus you’re able to easily top up your battery while out and about!
1. Ford Mustang Mach-E
It was vital that ford hit the ground running with their new Mustang Mach-E, and this hasn’t disappointed! The stylish Mach-E delivers great family space with a reassuringly useful range and practical charging abilities.
If you choose a Mustang Mach-E RWD Extended Range version you’ll benefit from a huge 380 miles on the road without needing a top up. While the AWD Standard Range car will still offer 250 miles before you need to plug it in. This means whichever version you opt for, you’re likely to be able to make those family road trips easily!
The Mach-E included plenty of practical kit that makes life just that bit easier on the road. Fitted with features such as adaptive cruise control, a wireless smartphone charging pad and the Active Park Assist system which can automatically locate and steer you into the tightest of parking spaces.
BUY A SECOND HAND ELECTRIC VEHICLE FROM EV SALES
Our EV sales dealership is the perfect place to go when looking to buy a second hand EV. All of our vehicles were previously used as fleet vehicles for our sister company, EVision, and come with low mileage and only one previous registered keeper.
We have a wide variety of EVs for sale including the BMW i3, Tesla Model S and Renault ZOE. You can view our full stocklist here, or visit our dealerships in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire.
If you have any questions or need any further support, please give our team of EV experts a call on 01634 914 063. You can also email us on mail@evisionsales.co.uk.
* All information correct as of 09/08/2021.
