The latest new car registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show demand for new electric cars continuing to rise in the UK, with record-breaking figures for the month of May.
160,662 new cars were registered in May, with 43,931 of them being fully-electric cars – accounting for approximately 27.3% of the total car market. Those figures are a significant rise over May 2025, where EVs accounted for 32,738 cars. This indicates a significant year-on-year rise in EV registrations of 34.2%.
When oil prices began rising sharply earlier this year amid Middle East conflict, we predicted that EV sales would follow, as consumers, wary of rising prices at the pump, would consider electric for their next vehicle. Several pieces of research supported this view, pointing to growing EV interest as a direct result of rising fuel prices. These latest SMMT figures suggest that this impact could now be directly contributing to driving up EV sales and registrations.
It’s not just oil prices causing rising EV demand in the UK, however. The introduction of the Electric Car Grant last year, with grants of up to £3,750 on eligible models, is also making an impact. UK buyers also have more choice than ever when it comes to electric cars, with over 167 models on the market of all shapes, sizes, and prices.
These are positive signals for the UK’s EV industry, but with the country still working towards a 2030 target where 80% of new cars sold must be zero-emission, there is still plenty of work to be done to increase EV market share up to this level over the next few years.
How is the industry reacting?
Jamie Hamilton, automotive partner and head of electric vehicles at Deloitte, said:
“Strong growth in car sales year-on-year reflects a resilience in consumer spending despite economic headwinds, with signs that competitive pricing is attracting new buyers. The number of consumers expecting fuel prices to be higher next month remains well above the long-term average, with three quarters of consumers anticipating a rise in the cost compared to half just two months ago. This will continue to play a role in influencing consumer purchasing decisions, whether it’s the affordability of petrol and diesel vehicles, or the attractiveness of going all-electric.”
Melanie Lane, CEO of Pod, added:
“Record-breaking SMMT figures suggest that the economics of electrification are having a significant impact on driver decision-making, with BEVs consistently making up over a quarter of new registrations. We’re seeing surging interest linked to macro shocks earlier in the year now materialise into real consumer demand.
EVs being cheaper on average to buy combined with smart charging and off-peak tariffs means drivers making the switch are benefitting from greater control and predictability over costs. As households continue to navigate the global uncertainty that is putting pressure on energy pricing, many now see that EVs are part of the solution.
To maintain this pace, though, policy stability matters. Clear, consistent signals from government give buyers the confidence to commit and give industry the certainty to invest. Without that, we risk stalling a transition that’s hitting its stride.”
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, commented:
“Britain’s car buyers are responding to a market offering more choice than ever, from both new and familiar brands, resulting in a robust May. The EV transition is progressing, but consumer uptake still lags behind even today’s targets, let alone the ambition set out in the latest Carbon Budget.
While industry shares the long-term ambition, the pathway to Net Zero must be credible. It cannot come at the cost of lost competitiveness and deindustrialisation. A review of the transition is now urgent to ensure ambition matches market realities and we have a sustainable path to road transport decarbonisation.”
