BEV Choices Surge 66% as Variants Skyrocket

New car market data from Solera cap hpi shows that the volume of BEV variants has increased by 66% in the past year, presenting motorists looking to switch to electric with various choices and specifications.

Over the last three months of 2020 and 2024, consumers saw a mind-boggling growth in specifications, with a 626% increase in variants, up 66% in the past 12 months.

Over the past four years, the volume of BEV brands in the UK has increased by 95%. Over the same period between Q3 2023 – 2024, the volume increased by 14%.

The number of BEV models on the market between 2020 and 2024 grew by 246% and, for the past 12 months, increased by over a third (39%).

The analysis – which comes from cap hpi consulting’s PowerUP, a quarterly review of the UK’s electric car market – also indicates that more of the recent BEV volume in the UK car market is now in the smaller car segments than previously, reporting growth in superminis and city cars. The trend leads to a more normal profile for the new and used BEV market, which was previously more heavily dominated by larger BEV models.

Matt Freeman, managing consultant at cap hpi, said: “We’ve seen big shifts in the BEV market since 2020, the main reason for this being an unprecedented variety of dependable EV options, with around 132 new EV models available in the UK as of January, accounting for a third of all new cars available. Manufacturers have offered attractive discounts to stimulate EV sales, making them more appealing to consumers. The improving cost-effectiveness of EVs is also a major factor in increased demand, with some used models now matching or undercutting equivalent petrol models on price.”

With range, affordability, and charging infrastructure improvements, the UK’s BEV landscape is set for rapid, continued expansion and diversification.

Added Matt Freeman: “The number of manufacturers, models, and variants will continue to increase with numerous new electric vehicles slated for release in 2025. This expanding variety includes SUVs, seven-seaters, compact city cars, and offerings from manufacturers new to the electric car market.

“The UK’s ZEV mandate, which requires 28% of new car sales to be zero-emission vehicles in 2025, is driving manufacturers to expand their EV lineups. The entry of Chinese manufacturers such as BYD and Leapmotor into the UK market will likely further diversify the available models and variants.”

2025 will see the launch of some very exciting new EVs, including Renault 5 Turbo 3 E, Range Rover EV, BMW iX3 2025, Audi A6 e-tron, and new electric Jaguar.

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