New analysis from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has found that UK motorists now have the best-ever choice of zero emission car models available to them, with a record two in five available as battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Sustained investment by manufacturers means that consumers can choose from more than 130 BEVs, up from 102 last year, while there are also over 100 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and nearly 50 hybrids (HEVs), meaning four out of five car models are available with electrified powertrains.

Electrified models now make up 45% of new car sales in the UK, and are available across different segments—from superminis to crossovers—and at all price points. BEVs in particular now hold a 20.4% share of the UK new car market, up from 16.9% a year ago, but is still well below the mandated government target of 28% this year.

In response, the industry has called for a halving of VAT on new EV purchases. The move would put around 267,000 additional new EVs on the road, driving down CO2 emissions by 6 million tonnes a year. Additional incentives, such as equalising VAT paid on public charging to that levied at home, have also been advocated for.

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“There’s never been a better time to go electric – with more choice, better vehicle range and improving infrastructure offering a compelling driving proposition,” said Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT.

“But the market still isn’t moving fast enough, so bold support for consumer EV uptake – notably investment in incentives and infrastructure – is needed to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and make switching open to all drivers.”

The SMMT’s latest analysis has also uncovered the performance improvements in zero emission mobility. The average BEV is now capable of driving for almost 300 miles on a single charge, up from last year’s median of 235 miles, and the maximum range available in excess of 480 miles, the latter more than twice the average distance drivers travel in a week.