The number of pure electric cars registered has fallen by 22% in the past month compared to this time last year. The latest figures come from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Their latest report shows that 88 electric cars were registered last month compared to 113 in June 2011.

The year on year total to June also fell by more than 10% with a total of 559 cars sold this year compared to 622 in 2011.

It appears electric cars have taken a hammering at the expense of range extender hybirds which saw a huge boost in their numbers up 34% from 602 to 809 in the year to June. This has been mainly down to the availability and take up of the government’s Plug-in Grant which pays up to 25% of the cost of a ultra low emission motor to a maximum of £5,000. Cars in this category include the Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius, Chevrolet Volt and Vauxhall Ampera, which have all sold well.

The figures only refer to cars and don’t include commercial vehicles. Manufacturing of petrol and diesel cars in the UK also went up by 14% in the first half of 2012. No electric cars are at present made in the country.