- The UK has recorded its best month ever for new EV registrations, with 72,779 electric passenger cars registered in the month of September.
- Fully-electric cars accounted for 23.3% of new cars registered that month, and comes as the UK aims towards a 28% ZEV target, ahead of the crucial 2030 and 2035 deadlines against the sale of new pure ICE and plug-in hybrid cars.
- Taking into account all drivetrain registration types, it was the strongest September performance since 2020, marking a healthier return for the automotive market following a prolonged post-Covid slump.
EV sales continue to reach new highs in the UK
The new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also highlight a 29.1% year-on-year rise on new EV registrations: up from 56,387 units in September 2024 to an impressive 72,779 units in September 2025.
September figures always tend to be skewed as customers hold off on purchases to obtain the latest number plate date – last month, for instance, only 21,969 new electric cars were registered in comparison. However, the fact still remains that this month was the best ever recorded for new electric cars, showing continuous growth. EV market share remains stable, but not growing as fast as some may have wished considering the UK’s target of 28% EV registrations by the end of the year, with zero-emission powertrains accounting for 22.1% of new cars registered so far this year.
It’s still relatively early days for the UK’s Electric Car Grant scheme, and future figures from the SMMT will help conclude how much of a positive effect this is having on new EV registrations. With private buyers currently accounting for just one in four of new EV registrations, the SMMT has called on further actions to be taken to increase EV attractiveness beyond just the Electric Car Grant.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, commented:
“Electrified vehicles are powering market growth after a sluggish summer – and with record ZEV uptake, massive industry investment is paying off, despite demand still trailing ambition. The Electric Car Grant will help to break down one of the barriers holding back more drivers from making the switch – and tackling remaining roadblocks, by unlocking infrastructure investment and driving down energy costs, will be crucial to the success of the industry and the environmental goals we share.”
