Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are defying the combined urging of green lobbyists and government diktat with just a quarter making up new purchases for 2023, UK data reveals.

The consumer rejection of EVs is a challenge to the electric car market and government goals to move towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Figures sourced by the MailOnline revealed individuals bought 71,984 of the vehicles last year – 23 percent of the total of 314,687. But in 2022 they purchased 88,910 – 33 percent of the total.

According to the latest industry data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, subdued growth is driven by private buyers as against other sales attributed almost entirely to large fleet registrations.

While the number of car registrations across all fuel types grew 14.3 percent last month, it seems interest in EVs is dying.