Dec 5 Reuters New battery electric vehicle BEV sales in UK rose 58 in November, marking the eleventh straight month of growth, industry data showed, driven by deep discounts to meet governmentmandated levels.

However, overall new car sales for the month fell 1.9 from a year ago to 153,610 units, due to waning demand among private buyers, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders SMMTsaid.

Britain39;s strict Zero Emission Vehicle ZEV mandates demand that automakers sell a higher proportion of EVs each year or face fines per noncompliant vehicle sold.

UK39;s new government had said in November it would reconsider these rules after the industry warned that the mandate would cause factory closures and job losses in the absence of demand from consumers.

A pragmatic approach to the ZEV mandate, alongside incentives for both manufacturers and consumers, will be crucial to drive electric vehicle uptake, Jamie Hamilton, automotive partner and head of electric vehicles at Deloitte said.

However, key economic indicators such as consumer confidence, inflation, and interest rates will continue to play a significant role in purchasing decisions.

The government has also announced other measures to support the sector, with Finance minister Rachel Reeves in her maiden budget in October saying zero emission vehicle owners will pay lowest firstyear taxes effective April 1, 2025.

November is only the second month that the British auto industry had met the mandated levels….