Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is falling amid the cost-of-living crisis and doubts about the Government’s electrification ambitions, new figures show.

Auto Trader said EVs accounted for fewer than a fifth (19%) of new car inquiries sent to retailers through its online marketplace last month.

That is down from 27% in June.

The company also reported that the number of searches and advert views for used cars has fallen by 13% in the past 12 months.

That is the first year-on-year decline since April 2020, shortly after the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Auto Trader noted that the fall in demand for EVs coincides with rising energy prices, petrol and diesel prices softening, and concerns about Government policy over EVs.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced last month that new zero-emission cars will no longer be exempt from vehicle excise duty from April 2025.

Auto Trader has pushed back its forecast for when EVs will account for 50% of new car sales from 2026 to 2027.

Editorial director Erin Baker said: “Although current sales figures look positive, the rapid decline in consumer appetite for electric vehicles reveals the market is on thin ice where mass electric adoption is concerned.

“And with the forecast of new car electric sales reaching 50% being pushed back to 2027, the market faces a precarious combination of factors which could cause major potholes on the road to 2030 without further action from Government and industry to encourage mass adoption.

“There are some positive signs with running costs still in EVs’ favour and more affordable models in the pipeline, particularly those from Asia.

“But today’s slowdown in demand for EVs translate into lower sales as we enter 2023.”

Separate figures issued by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed plug-in cars such as pure electrics and plug-in hybrids accounted for 28% of the new car market last month.

Sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the UK will be banned from 2030.

Drivers are being warned to expect lengthy traffic jams on major routes in the run-up to Christmas.

The busiest days for getaway travel will be December 23 and Christmas Eve – which will both see nearly 17 million cars on UK roads, the AA estimated.

A survey of more than 12,000 motorists indicated that 51% plan to make a car journey on December 23, with 50% expecting to make a trip the following day.

Disruption to rail services due to strikes and engineering work mean more people are likely to switch from trains to road vehicles for their getaway journey.

Potential congestion hotspots identified by the AA include the M25, the M5 between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, and the M6 around Birmingham.

Long delays are also anticipated on the M1 from Luton northwards, the M60 and M62 in north-west England, the M4 which runs between west London and south-west Wales, and the M27 in Hampshire.

December 17 is expected to be the busiest day for High Streets, retail outlets and shopping centres as 20% of respondents to the survey said they will go Christmas shopping on that day.

Business-related travel is expected to drop off after December 16 until the new year.

AA president Edmund King said: “While December 23 and Christmas Eve look set to be the busiest travelling days, planned industrial action by rail staff may lead to increased levels of cars on our roads.

“Our expert patrols will be working throughout the holidays to help fix cars that suffer problems, while providing assistance to drivers should they be involved in a crash.

“Many breakdowns are preventable, so checking your vehicle before you set off is very important.”

He urged drivers to examine levels of fuel, oil, coolant and screen wash, and ensure tyres are correctly inflated.

The UK is currently experiencing a big fall in temperatures, with forecasters predicting a lot of snow and ice for many of the country’s regions. As well as making everyone feel a little chillier, cold weather can have a big impact on a car, too.

But what happens to your car when the weather gets colder and is there anything you can do to help? Let’s find out.

Battery

Your battery is what sparks life into an engine. During warmer temperatures, it isn’t put under that much strain and getting an engine going doesn’t require too much work from the battery.

However, when the temperature falls, your battery is required to use more energy to get an engine started. If there’s not the right amount of energy in reserve, your car may struggle to start or not get going at all. If you’ve noticed that it’s having trouble starting, then a real fall in temperature could push it over the edge and cause it to fail – so you’d be best replacing it to ensure that it starts at the turn of the key.

Spark plugs

Spark plugs are what kickstarts the combustion process of a petrol-powered car and, like so many other electrical-related components, they can quickly fail in colder weather. This is more likely the case for older spark plugs.

If you notice that your car is feeling down on power or sluggish, then it may mean that a spark plug has failed. You’ll need to get it checked out by a professional and replaced if needed.

Windscreen issues

Sub-zero temperatures can cause some issues for windscreens, too. If you’ve got a small chip in the screen – perhaps caused by a stone during summertime – then a fall in temperature can quickly transform this into a larger and more dangerous crack.

If this happens, you’ll most likely have to have the windscreen replaced. However, if you’ve still got a chip, then this can be professionally repaired, which will help reduce the chances of it worsening.

Tyre pressures

Your tyre pressures can also be affected by a fall in temperatures. Even a small drop can affect them, changing how they perform and reducing their effectiveness.

It’s why giving your tyres a quick check after a cold snap can prove so useful. You’ll be able to find your car’s recommended pressures in the vehicle handbook or sometimes behind the fuel filler door. Inflate them to the correct pressures and you’ll know that your tyres are working as effectively as possible.

Fluids thicken up

Your car relies on all manner of fluids to work effectively. During colder weather, their viscosity can change, making them thicker and less able to work as they should.

However, there’s a really easy remedy to this. Simply allow your car to warm up properly before driving away as this will allow the fluids to heat and move around the system correctly. Always remember to stay with your car when you’re doing this – don’t be tempted to start it and go back inside the house.

Electric cars

Just as a petrol car’s battery is put under extra pressure in cold weather, the same goes for a fully electric car. Batteries use a chemical reaction to take on and release energy and during cold weather this process is slowed down. It’s why electric cars aren’t able to offer their best-possible range during winter. You could see around a 20 per cent decrease in range, though the latest EVs will see this fall to around 10 per cent of the claimed range.

You can help by using an EV’s pre-warm function – if it has been fitted with it – which can help to bring the battery up to its correct temperature and, in the process, help it deliver more range.

Euro NCAP has revealed its final safety results for 2022, with only three of the 14 cars tested not receiving the top five-star rating.

The crash and safety organisation assessed a wide variety of models including those from upcoming Chinese brands.

Highlights included the new MG4, which despite being one of the UK’s cheapest electric cars was still given five stars. The Chery Omada 5 crossover and Maxus MIFA 9 MPV – both currently not on sale in the UK but may be in the future – were also handed the top rating.

At the more premium end of the market, the Lucid Air – an American luxury saloon that rivals the Tesla Model S – was awarded top honours, as were the new Lexus RX and Mercedes GLC, along with the updated Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Volkswagen’s radical new ID.Buzz was given a five-star rating too, as were VW’s new Amarok pick-up and the Ford Ranger.

With Euro NCAP recently updating its testing to be more stringent, a number of popular new cars have been retested. The Skoda Octavia family car retained its five-star rating, but the Ford Puma crossover and Volkswagen Touran MPV dropped to four stars because of ‘challenges in adult occupant protection’. The final models to be tested was the new Peugeot 408 fastback, which also received a four-star rating.

Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP, said: “2022 has been one of Euro NCAP’s busiest-ever years and we have seen a lot of new car makers and new technologies. It’s clear that European consumers still demand the highest levels of safety and that a good Euro NCAP rating is seen by car manufacturers as critical to success here.

“Twenty-five years since it first started, Euro NCAP is still driving ever-higher levels of safety, and our protocols for 2023 will bring exciting, tough new challenges to the car industry.”

Off-roading fans wanting something electric now have a new option with the reveal of the Munro Mk1 – a model designed, engineered and built in Scotland.

Claiming to be the ‘world’s most capable all-electric 4×4’, the Munro Mk1 has been designed for the toughest terrains, yet promises to be simple to maintain, and engineered to last ‘50 years of service’.

Named after a Scottish mountain, Munro’s Mk1 is available with up to 375bhp from its large single electric motor and comes with the option of two battery sizes – 61kWh or 82kWh. The latter allows for a claimed 190 miles of range, which the firm says allows for 16 hours of off-road use on a single charge.

Though the Mk1 can accelerate from 0-60mph in less than five seconds, Munro says the focus is more on ‘utility’, rather than performance. A generous 700Nm of torque is said to equate to ‘excellent response off-road’. Munro’s model can also tow up to 3,500kg while accommodating a 1,000kg payload.

Sitting on a steel ladder chassis – often used by more utilitarian 4x4s – the Mk1 offers 480mmm of ground clearance, and a wading depth of up to 800mm, along with approach and departure angles that are said to make it ‘cope effortlessly’ when off-roading.

Its design is big and boxy, with quad LED headlights and a large grille adding to the bold look of this five-seat, five-door 4×4.

Russell Peterson, CEO of Munro Vehicles, said: “The engineering is unashamedly agricultural in nature. Some people see the term agricultural as potentially derogatory, but at Munro, we certainly don’t.

“Agricultural vehicles feature some of the most sophisticated technology you can imagine. But above all, they are engineered to do the job, no matter how much punishment they soak up, and to keep doing it year after year. The Munro has been built to the most robust standards possible and to be fully operational in 30, 40, 50 years’ time.”

Munro says it has been testing the Mk1 for the past two years around Scotland, and that it has already received orders from the UK, as well as more exotic locations like St Lucia and Dubai. Prices here start £49,995, excluding VAT.

Production will begin next year at its East Kilbride headquarters, with 50 due to be handbuilt in 2023. Munro says it will then expand to a ‘purpose-built production facility in central Scotland’ in 2024. The firm has a goal to produce 2,500 units annually by 2027.

The Ukraine war and a weaker pound have made 2022 a ‘terrible year for drivers’ with fuel prices at their ‘most volatile’ on record, according to a study published on Tuesday (December 6).

After the government cut fuel duty for petrol and diesel by 5p per litre in March, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation to make sure the savings were being passed on at the pumps.

Today, the independent government watchdog revealed its ‘emerging analysis’, saying it had found that 2022 had been the most volatile year on record for fuel prices, with an increase of 50p per litre recorded between January and July, before dropping by 31p for petrol and 14p per diesel.

The CMA also found the gap in prices between petrol and diesel was the widest ever at 24p per litre – said to be ‘largely due to western Europe’s reliance on imports of diesel, but not petrol, from Russia’.

Sarah Cardell, interim chief executive at the CMA, said: “It has been a terrible year for drivers, with filling up a vehicle now a moment of dread for many. The disruption of imports from Russia means that diesel drivers, in particular, are paying a substantial premium because of the invasion of Ukraine. A weaker pound is contributing to higher prices across the board, too.

“There are no easy answers to this. The question for the CMA is whether a lack of effective competition within the UK is making things worse. Although it is only a small proportion of the overall price, the increase in margins for many fuel retailers over the last few years is something we need to investigate further.”

It also found evidence of ‘rocket and feather’ pricing, whereby prices rise like rockets and fall like feathers, which had particularly happened with diesel. The CMA said it would “investigate this further”.

But although the CMA said it had found “no evidence” of this rocket and feather pricing before 2022, the RAC disagreed.

Commenting on the study, Simon Williams, RAC fuel spokesman, said: “While it’s encouraging the CMA has found evidence of ‘rocket and feather’ pricing taking place this year, we believe there was clear evidence of it happening this time last year and in 2018 and 2019.

“Volatility has unquestionably been an issue in fuel pricing since Russia invaded Ukraine, but when wholesale prices trend down for weeks at a time, drivers should see pump prices do the same at a similar rate – unfortunately, our data shows that this is not often the case.

“What’s happening now – as it was last December – is a massive downward shift in the price of wholesale fuel with a slow dropping of forecourt prices. Consequently, drivers are set for a more expensive time on the roads this Christmas than they should be.”

Hyundai is investing £1m into paying for up to 25,000 children in the UK to go on school trips they might otherwise miss out on because their parents can’t afford them.

The South Korean manufacturer says school trips are “in decline” but are an “essential part” of schooling. It has announced the funding as part of its ‘Great British School Trip’ programme for children aged between seven and 11.

A study of 1,600 UK parents, carried out on behalf of Hyundai, found that 52 per cent of children hadn’t told their parents about an upcoming trip, with 54 per cent of parents saying it was because their children were concerned they wouldn’t be able to afford it.

A similar study of 433 teachers revealed that 61 per cent were less likely to plan trips than five years ago, while 56 per cent of teachers who’d tried to organise school trips in the past year had had them cancelled or not approved.

Hyundai says 200 venues have shown their support for the initiative so far, including RAF Museum Midlands, the Youth Hostels Association and the Disney Theatrical Association. The car manufacturer says the trips will support the curriculum, covering subjects such as art, science, engineering and maths.

Ashley Andrew, managing director of Hyundai Motor UK, said: “School trips should provide some of the most exciting and memorable times for our young people. They help to bring their learning to life, encourage greater engagement and inspire their future ambitions. I know that’s what they did for myself and for my children.

“I firmly believe that they are an essential part of our young people’s development and something that every child should have access to. As a company that strives to support humanity and foster an ambitious next generation, we are delighted to launch this pioneering initiative, which will deliver these life experiences as well as supporting teaching staff and parents.”

Drivers of used electric vehicles face a “tax penalty” that could keep older, polluting cars on the road for longer, according to new analysis.

Green consultancy New AutoMotive warned that vehicle excise duty (VED) reforms will see motorists charged up to £145 more per year for choosing a cleaner vehicle.

Pure electric cars are currently exempt from VED.

But Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced last month that from April 2025 new zero-emission cars will be liable for a first-year rate of £10, and an annual rate of £165 in subsequent years.

Zero-emission cars registered from April 1 2017 – which is the vast majority of all electric cars on the road – will also be liable for the £165 rate.

VED for cars registered before that date will continue to be based on their fuel efficiency.

New AutoMotive calculated that 7.6 million petrol and diesel cars in that category will be liable for no more than £30 VED from April 2025.

“These changes undermine the running cost advantages of owning an EV (electric vehicle),” the consultancy’s co-founder Ben Nelmes told the PA news agency.

“There will be a large disparity between the VED on electric cars and on many of the more polluting cars on the road.

“This tax penalty may cause people to continue to run older polluting cars for longer.

“That would increase the UK’s emissions of CO2, as well as reduce lower income households’ ability to access the running cost benefits of purchasing a second hand EV from 2025.”

Mr Nelmes urged the Chancellor to “rethink” his announcement and introduce a minimum level of VED for all vehicles, which “rises slowly” as the number of electric vehicles grows.

Applying increases to older, more polluting cars “could help usher these ageing vehicles off the road”, he added.

New AutoMotive also estimated that the decision to remove the exemption for electric cars from the Expensive Car Supplement from April 2025 would affect 30-40% of current electric car registrations.

The supplement adds £355 annually to VED bills for five years for new cars priced at more than £40,000.

A Treasury spokesman said: “Electric vehicle registrations have increased 1,730% since 2016 and sales continue to reach record highs, which is why now is the right time to normalise their role on our roads even more by levelling the playing field on tax with petrol and diesel.

“We continue to support the electric vehicle revolution through over £2.5 billion in incentives, including less year one road tax, nil-rating the Van Benefit Charge and grants to bring down buying costs, and there is also a high bar for the expensive car supplement – around four in five new cars do not cost enough to meet it.”

New car sales grew for the fourth consecutive month in November, with registrations growing by 23.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2021, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The number of new cars joining UK roads in November amounted to 142,889, driven predominately by large increases in fleet and business registrations, as well as some particularly popular new models. Here are the 10 best-selling cars in November.

1. Nissan Qashqai – 5,636 registrations

Nissan’s Qashqai stays at the top for another month, with this crossover having a big lead on the next most popular car – and it’s likely to finish the year as the UK’s best-selling car.

Built in Sunderland, Nissan is prioritising UK customers and isn’t suffering from the same production holdups as many brands are facing. The Qashqai is a popular and appealing choice to families with its practical interior, great safety record and affordable pricing.

2. Tesla Model Y – 4,229 registrations

Tesla has had another great year, with its Model Y SUV being the second most popular car in November – impressive considering more than 4,000 were registered in December and when they have a list price of more than £50,000.

Buyers love the Model Y’s tech-laden interior, dominated by a huge touchscreen. There’s also access to the great Tesla Supercharger network, while strong performance and a range of up to 331 miles make this SUV a very attractive choice.

3. Mini – 3,312 registrations

It’s another British-built model that is ranked highly in the best-sellers list, with Mini’s well-loved Hatch being the third most popular model in November. Renowned for its style, the Mini is also available with a great range of petrol engines, as well as an increasingly desirable Electric version.

Offering a fun driving experience, the Mini packs an upmarket interior that makes it one of the most high-quality superminis on the market.

4. Ford Fiesta – 2,869 registrations

Ford might stop selling its Fiesta by June next year, but that isn’t preventing it from being a very popular choice in the current market, with 2,869 models finding homes in November.

The Fiesta is terrific fun to drive but it also packs a host of versions to appeal to a broad range of customer – from rugged Active versions through to the sporty ST hot hatchback. Its latest mild-hybrid petrol engines also offer great efficiency.

5. Vauxhall Corsa – 2,537 registrations

The Corsa might not have its usual number one position in November, but this Vauxhall supermini is continuing to serve as a popular choice, particularly for money-savvy buyers that can get behind the wheel from £220 a month.

The option of the Corsa Electric is also contributing to this model’s continued success, though more affordable petrol and diesel engines remain available for those not wanting an EV just yet.

6. Volkswagen Golf – 2,516 registrations

The sheer choice of versions that Volkswagen offers on its Golf is a key contributor to its success – from more affordable Life versions through to the 316 Golf R hot hatch, with plug-in hybrids and sporty diesels also sandwiched in between.

While many say the family hatchback market is in decline, the Golf continues to serve as a fantastic option for those wanting to buck the trend of buying an SUV.

7. Ford Puma – 2,408 registrations

While the Ford Puma might have slipped down the charts in November, it remains the third most popular car throughout the year. It’s easy to see the appeal of the Puma, too. Based on the Fiesta, the Puma offers more space and a greater ride height that aids accessibility.

A wide choice of trims and engines are available too, with the mild-hybrid petrol being a real highlight – offering great performance and averaging around 50mpg.

8. Volkswagen T-Roc – 2,370 registrations

The T-Roc’s proving to be an increasingly popular model in Volkswagen’s range – offering more style and space than a Golf, but in a similar footprint and not for a huge amount more money.

This crossover is good to drive as well, while a broad range of petrol and diesel engines are offered – you can even choose four-wheel-drive on selected models. A hot ‘R’ model sits at the top of the range, using the same engine and underpinnings as the fantastic Golf R.

9. Volkswagen Polo – 2,227 registrations

Volkswagen had a good month in November, with its Polo also appearing in the top 10. This supermini remains one of the best cars in its segment and is a great all-rounder thanks to its practicality, driveability, low running costs and technology.

Sporty-looking R-Line models add extra street-cred to the Polo, while a 197bhp GTI model sits at the top of the line-up. Standard equipment is excellent on this VW too – including a touchscreen, digital instrument cluster and adaptive cruise control.

10. Toyota Yaris – 2,272 registrations

Toyota’s line-up is predominantly now made up of hybrids, and the entry-level Yaris is serving as its best-selling model. Rounding off the top 10, this supermini offers exceptional standard safety equipment and a far bolder design than its predecessors.

What’s more, the Yaris comfortably returns more than 60mpg with its self-charging hybrid setup, while being easy and comfortable to drive.

Tesla boss Elon Musk has handed over the first production versions of its Semi truck at a launch event in the US.

It’s been five years since Tesla originally revealed the huge electric HGV, and although production was meant to begin in 2019, the first examples didn’t roll off the production line until this October.

The truck was driven on to the stage by new Twitter boss Elon Musk at a launch event held yesterday evening (December 1) at the brand’s Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada, where the vehicle is also produced.

Musk described its performance as an “elephant moving like a cheetah”, and promised three times the power of the next diesel truck.

Using a new 1,000-volt powertrain, which Tesla says will be developed further for other production models, it also packs a huge 1,000kWh battery, which the firm claims gives 500 miles when charged.

No price has yet been announced.

Tesla says the model has been ‘hardcore tested’ in a host of weather systems and environments, and that it will also be used by the firm as its delivery trucks. The brand showed a timelapse video of the truck completing a 500-mile journey as well.

During the event, Tesla announced that first deliveries had begun, with the initial examples being handed over to representatives of Pepsi. The food and beverage giant is said to have reserved 100 of the Semi trucks after the initial reveal.

Musk said: “It’s been a long journey, a long five years, but this is going to really revolutionise the roads and make the roads a better place in a meaningful way, so thank you for your support for all the years.”