The electric car market has hit a new record high as tens of thousands of drivers avoid investing in new petrol and diesel vehicles.
In total, 213,166 new cars were sold last month, as registrations jumped by 11.4 per cent - making it the best-performing June since 2019.
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows that electric vehicles have now captured 30 per cent of the total market share across the UK.
Electric car sales have grown 35 per cent year-on-year, making it the biggest percentage increase of any powertrain in June.
The market share of petrol has slumped below 40 per cent, with 84,541 new sales accounting for a four per cent drop, while just 8,099 new diesel vehicles were registered.
Both hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales continue to improve, with both powertrains seeing sales improve by around 25 per cent compared to last year.
The SMMT suggested that impressive electric car sales were backed by heightened consumer interest and the impact of conflict in the Middle East, leading to near-record fuel prices.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, described sales in June as "very strong" with impressive electric car sales and more than half of drivers selecting an electrified model.
Electric car sales captured around 30 per cent of the total market share in June
|PA/GETTY
He added: "But even these record levels are still not enough to meet mandated targets. Manufacturers are investing billions developing and bringing the vehicles to market - and spending billions more to sell them, yet the market is still not moving fast enough.
"Reforming the mandate now is essential not just to keep the transition on track but to protect the UK's competitiveness, attract investment and safeguard jobs."
The Zero Emission Vehicle mandate outlines that 33 per cent of total vehicle sales must be electric by the end of the year.
These targets will rise every year, reaching 80 per cent in 2030 and 100 per cent in 2035, when only zero emission vehicles will be on sale across the UK.
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Driver interest in electric cars has surged in response to the Middle East oil crisis over the recent months
| GETTYBased on current sales, electric vehicles would need to surpass 40 per cent of new registrations across the rest of the year to meet the ZEV mandate target.
However, manufacturers are able to make use of flexibilities within the ZEV mandate rules, including trading credits, without facing hefty fines.
The SMMT warned that despite £12billion in manufacturer discounts and Government incentives, "uptake is still not rising fast enough".
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of Electrifying.com, the electric car buying and advice site, said the data was proof that electric vehicles were leading the charge in improving car sales.
Renault has seen sales of its electric vehicles soar over the last 18 months | RENAULTShe added: "Buyers are making sensible, practical decisions - choosing electric because they’re cheaper to run, better to drive and protect them from volatile fuel prices.
"That's good news not just for consumers, but for dealers too. Electric cars are no longer the alternative, but are becoming the mainstream choice."
This was echoed by Adam Wood, managing director of Renault, which has recorded an impressive 37 per cent share of electric vehicle sales this year, thanks to the launch of the Renault 4 and Renault 5.
"We are at a tipping point, where stylish, practical and capable EVs are available at appealing prices, and with fuel cost savings that we estimate to be £650 a year on average, buyers can now make the switch with their head and heart," Mr Wood said.