Member Article

Milton Keynes sees record sales of electric cars

The popularity of more sustainable transport among Milton Keynes residents continues to grow, boosted by record numbers of plug-in electric car sales in the run up to Christmas.

That’s according to Westcroft based dealership, Brayley Renault, which reported more than 30 sales of the 100% electric Renault ZOE in December alone, a record for a single month.

The surge in electric cars on the roads of Buckinghamshire reflects the national demand for more environmentally friendly motoring. Plug-in electric car registrations in the UK totaled 20,992 units during the first nine months of 2015, consisting of 6,951 pure electric cars and 14,041 plug-in hybrids. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that total registrations during this period increased by 140% from the same period in 2014, with all-electric car registrations growing 55% year-on-year.

One of eight national pilot projects set up by the Government to explore and encourage the take-up of electric vehicles, the Milton Keynes Plugged-In Places Scheme now consists of more than 200 charging points in Milton Keynes and across the county. A quarter of these are rapid charging stations, enabling a full charge in just 20 minutes. A number of local rail stations have also installed charging points and offer discounted parking fees for electric vehicles.

Paul Brayley, Managing Director of Brayleys Cars, said:

“Our Renault dealership in Westcroft has seen significant growth in enquiries and sales of all-electric vehicles as people become more aware of their environmental credentials, low running costs and excellent driving characteristics. The Brayleys team has a wealth of knowledge on the benefits of electric car and van ownership for both retail and business customers and we expect 2016 to be even busier.”

Motorists purchasing a qualifying ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV) can receive a Government grant of 25% towards the cost of the vehicle, up to a maximum value of £5,000. This is being reduced by £500 from 1 March 2016.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Blackbird Communications .