Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) registrations rose by 17.4% across Europe in the second quarter of 2015, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).
But it was in the UK where the biggest increase was seen in any of the EU’s major markets over the period, with demand for AFVs up 62.4%.
Significant growth was also seen in both France and Spain, where AFV registrations rose 59.7% and 58% respectively, while heightened demand in EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries was largely driven by Norway where an impressive 77% of the 11,614 vehicles registered were electrically powered.
Figures show that pure electric vehicle registrations grew by more than half (53%) in the second quarter of 2015, with hybrid vehicle registrations rising by 22%.
The number of propane and natural gas vehicles registered also increased slightly. A total of 143,595 AFVs were registered across Europe in Q2 2015.
Figures for the first half of 2015 further highlight the buoyant AFV market in Europe, with demand rising 24.6% to almost 300,000 (298,463) registrations in the EU.
The UK once again led the way with the biggest growth (62.6%) of Europe’s major car markets.
Bob the Engineer - 10/08/2015 10:52
"UK leads the way in Europe for alternative fuel vehicle market growth" or in other words, "UK leads the way in Europe for punitive money grabbing company car tax schemes, numerous other means to tax car drivers up to the throat as a reliable perpetual source of income for the government and overpriced fuel"