The chief executive of the SMMT, Mike Hawes, described the latest figures as “disappointing, but expected after March’s surge.” Such a sentiment was backed up by John Cassidy, the managing director of sales at Close Brothers Ltd – one of the UK’s largest car finance brokers and one of the firms caught up within the ongoing car finance scandal.

“Following a record month for electric vehicle registrations, April has proved to be something of a step back to normality in this regard,” Cassidy said. “Numbers continue to fall well short of the zero emission vehicle mandate targets, and the Government needs to think seriously about how to incentivise uptake of electric vehicles.”

Cassidy called for what he described as a “funding boost for EV charging infrastructure”, stating that “57 per cent of motor dealers believe there isn’t enough time to improve the infrastructure for the ban to go ahead. Arguably, people are yet to be convinced that the 2030 target isn’t unrealistic.”

Hawes also called for Government action, noting that “EV uptake is still being heavily and unsustainably subsidised by the industry, which is why a compelling package of measures from Government is essential if consumers are going to make the switch.”

Auto Express has asked the Department for Transport whether it plans to introduce further measures to stimulate the market beyond what was announced at the end of the ZEV consultation, but it refused to comment, simply pointing to the changes it has already laid out.

Come and join our WhatsApp channel for the latest car news and reviews…