- Electric car registrations in the UK continued to see increases last month, according to the latest sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
- The rise in EV sales comes despite an overall falling new car market.
- However, with EV market share still below the 2025 ZEV target, the industry continues to call on more policy changes to encourage EV uptake.
Electric car sales on the rise in the UK, but is it enough to meet the ZEV mandate?
In April 2025, 24,558 new fully-electric cars were registered in the UK, compared to 22,717 in April 2024 – marking an 8.1% year-on-year increase for the month. This rise comes despite a contraction in the new car market as a whole, with 120,331 new cars registered in April 2025, compared to 134,274 new cars registered in April 2024. With over 130 different fully-electric models now on the UK market, and many achieving price parity with ICE alternatives, it’s no wonder that EV growth has been so strong in recent months
With the addition of these electric cars registered in April, the UK’s EV market share for the year-to-date stands at 20.7%. That’s up on 2024’s figure of 15.7% by the same period, but is still below the country’s 2025 ZEV market share target of 28%. Whilst some manufacturers are already meeting these targets, it still signals a need for boosted EV messaging and changes to policy. The SMMT has proposed a number of changes, including halving the VAT on new EVs, scrapping the newly-introduced ‘luxury’ car tax, and reducing VAT on public charging to bring it into line with home charging.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive at the SMMT, commented on the results:
“April’s performance is disappointing but expected after March’s surge. Another month of growth for electric vehicle registrations is good news, however, even if demand remains well below ambition. Recent government adjustments to flexibilities and compliance within the ZEV Mandate are welcome and an important first step in relieving some of the pressure on the market and manufacturers.
However, EV uptake is still being heavily and unsustainably subsidised by the industry which is why a compelling package of measures from government is essential if consumers are going to make the switch.”
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, added:
“BEVs continue their upward trajectory in what has been a strong year so far, with market share remaining at 20.7%. Both fleet and private demand have seen downturns, reflecting ongoing challenges in the market. The start of the new fiscal year has brought further pressures, with increases to Employers’ National Insurance contributions and the extension of Vehicle Excise Duty and the Expensive Car Supplement to electric vehicles.
The Government’s recent changes to the ZEV Mandate reflect several key recommendations from NFDA’s consultation response, including the recognition of hybrids as a transitional solution beyond 2030. This is welcome but we reiterate that more could be done to align the UK with the rest of the world. Amidst ongoing economic uncertainty and the potential impact of US tariffs, it is more important than ever that the Government offers clear support and long-term certainty to UK automotive retailers.”
