- BMW Group excels in premium EVs with 172,240 registrations, 27% of which were fully electric, led by the BMW i4.
- Kia sets sales records by selling 112,252 units, with half being electrified, driven by the EV3 and electrified Sportage.
- Renault’s electrification boom saw UK sales grow by 22.8%, with pure-electric registrations rising 77%, led by the Scenic and Kangoo E-Tech.
2024 was a milestone EV year for three major manufacturers, with BMW, Kia, VW, and Renault reporting huge wins
EV sales surged across major UK manufacturers, reshaping the automotive landscape. BMW, Renault, and Kia saw record registrations and significant successes from their electrification efforts.
BMW Group finds premium success
The group reported an impressive 172,240 registrations in the UK in 2024. Over 25% of these were fully electric, showing strong growth in the sector. BMW alone secured 125,265 registrations, up 12% from 2023. BEVs made up nearly 27% of its sales, led by the BMW i4 with 12,953 units sold (+45%). Newer models, like the i5 and iX2, also performed well. BMW now holds 20.4% of the UK’s premium EV market.
MINI also excelled, registering 46,975 units. Fully electric MINI sales surged by 55%, thanks to new models like the MINI Cooper and the electric Countryman. Together, BMW and MINI cemented their leadership in the premium EV space.
Volkswagen maintains its small car victories
Volkswagen leads new-car sales in the UK with 166,304 registrations, securing an 8.52% market share for the fourth consecutive year. The Golf and Polo were among the UK’s best-selling cars in 2024, with the Golf celebrating its 50th anniversary. New model introductions, including the ID.7 and ID.7 Tourer, contributed to Volkswagen’s success, with further electric expansions planned for 2025.
Kia continues sales records
Kia recorded 112,252 sales in 2024, achieving a 5.7% market share. Half of its vehicles sold were electrified (fully electric, plug-in hybrid, or hybrid). The Kia Sportage became the UK’s best-selling SUV, with electrified versions contributing significantly. Kia’s EV3 debuted in November, joining the EV6 and Niro EV to expand the brand’s all-electric lineup.
Kia also broke records with consistent monthly sales growth. It remains a leader in the compact SUV and electrified vehicle markets.
Renault’s rapid growth
Renault saw its UK sales jump 22.8% in 2024, reaching 86,300 registrations. Pure-electric vehicle sales skyrocketed by 77%. Key models like the Scenic E-Tech Electric and Megane E-Tech Electric gained traction, with over 8,400 units combined. Renault’s hybrid sales also grew by 29%, making it the second fastest-growing brand in this category.
Renault’s commercial vehicles added to its success. The Kangoo E-Tech Electric became a top small electric van, while the Trafic cemented Renault’s position in the light commercial vehicle sector.
2024 was a banner year for EVs in the UK. The manufacturers that have embraced electrification are setting records and meeting soaring demand. Today’s SMMT report highlighted that the UK’s EV sector is lagging behind the ideal ZEV Mandate targets. However, increased and continued efforts like these will help to sway the car market.
