Demand for EVs up by 106%

Annual demand for electric vehicles (EVs) surpassed diesel for the first time in 2021 as consumers rapidly transition to electric, according to research from Leasing.com

Data from the car leasing comparison website shows sales inquiries for EVs grew by 106% in 2021 compared with 2020, while demand for diesel fell by 7% last year.

Overall, there were 75% more sales inquiries for electric than there were for diesel.

The research suggests that the fuel type has been consigned to history by many private motorists.

Such is the rising demand for EVs, they accounted for 30% of Leasing.com’s total sales inquiries in 2021, up from 19% in 2020.

This was beaten only by petrol, which accounted for 52% of new car inquiries last year.

While the category of EV includes hybrids and plug-in hybrids, it was battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that drove the sector forward.

All together, BEVs saw a 101% rise in demand in 2021 compared with 2020.

This accounted for more than 16% of Leasing’s total inquiries in 2021, just shy of diesel at 17% and up from 10% in 2020.

Paul Harrison, head of strategic partnerships at Leasing.com, says the rise in the electric market share indicates that consumers are no longer worried about EVs falling short of requirements, such as range or charging availability.

“Just a few years ago, consumers were unsure about EVs due to range, cost and infrastructure,” he said. “Those concerns have eased for many consumers thanks to new BEVs regularly topping 300 miles on a full charge, and more accessible models and body styles entering the market.

“If 2020 was the tipping point, then 2021 was the year that electric motoring entered the mainstream.

“It’s clear that a shift to a pure electric future isn’t as wild as previously thought.

“We expect EV sales inquiries to surpass 50% of total Leasing.com inquiries this year, and BEVs to account for 25% of all demand.”

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POPULAR: New data suggests the transition to electric vehicles is fully under way.