Electric car sales in the UK reached record levels in September, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The figures show that electric and hybrid vehicles now dominate new registrations, marking a significant step in the country’s shift toward greener transport.
Electric and hybrid cars lead the market
Fully electric vehicle sales rose by nearly a third to 72,779 last month. Plug-in hybrid models increased even faster, pushing combined electric and hybrid registrations to more than half of all new cars sold. The SMMT said the rise was driven by greater discounts, more model options, and the rollout of the government’s electric car grant scheme.
Businesses and fleet operators accounted for 71.4% of all new electric vehicles, but private ownership is growing quickly. So far in 2025, electric cars now make up more than one in five new registrations, showing growing consumer confidence.
Industry welcomes growing momentum
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric vehicles were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer.” He added that long-term investment in electric technology was paying off, even though consumer demand still lagged behind expectations. Hawes highlighted the £3,750 government grant for eligible vehicles as a key factor in reducing barriers for drivers switching from petrol and diesel.
September records strongest month since 2020
The UK registered 312,887 new cars in September — the best-performing month since 2020. That year, despite pandemic restrictions, remains the strongest September of the decade. The SMMT said the results came even as the industry faced challenges, including US tariffs and a cyberattack that temporarily halted Jaguar Land Rover production.
Top models and emerging competitors
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai were the UK’s best-selling cars last month. Two Chinese entrants, the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, also broke into the top ten, demonstrating how global competition is reshaping the UK electric vehicle market.
Government incentives drive adoption
More than 20,000 buyers have already benefited from the electric vehicle grant scheme. It covers models from brands including Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. Cars priced under £37,000 qualify, with the cleanest vehicles receiving the largest reductions. Thirty-six models now receive grants of at least £1,500.
Growing demand signals public confidence
Autotrader’s chief commercial officer, Ian Plummer, said the grant scheme had given the market “a real lift.” He reported that enquiries for new electric cars rose by almost 50% since July, while interest in grant-eligible models more than doubled.
Plummer added that lower prices, broader choices, and stronger incentives were accelerating the shift from petrol and diesel. He said the surge in demand shows the UK’s transition to electric vehicles is gaining momentum faster than expected.
