Electric car sales grow in UK despite decline in overall vehicle market

Carmakers sell 29,800 electric cars in October as diesel models drop by a fifth and petrol cars by 14%

Sales of electric cars in the UK grew in October despite overall demand for vehicles shrinking as manufacturers raced to meet government targets.

Carmakers sold 29,800 electric cars during the month, up by a quarter compared with the same month last year, according to data published on Tuesday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a lobby group.