Electric car sales in the UK soared to record highs in September, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The latest figures show electric and hybrid vehicles now dominate new registrations, marking a decisive step toward cleaner, low-emission transport.
Electric and hybrid models drive growth
Fully electric car sales jumped by nearly a third to 72,779 last month. Plug-in hybrid models grew even faster, lifting the combined share of electric and hybrid vehicles to over half of all new registrations. The SMMT said stronger discounts, a wider selection of models, and the government’s grant scheme fueled the surge in demand.
Businesses and fleets purchased most of the electric cars, accounting for 71.4% of registrations. Private ownership is also rising rapidly. Electric cars now make up more than one in five new registrations so far in 2025, reflecting growing consumer confidence.
Industry leaders celebrate momentum
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric vehicles were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer.” He added that years of investment in electric technology were beginning to pay off, even as overall demand still lagged behind expectations. Hawes highlighted the £3,750 government grant for qualifying vehicles as a key factor in breaking down financial barriers for drivers switching from petrol and diesel.
September achieves record registrations
The UK saw 312,887 new car registrations in September — the strongest September since 2020. Despite pandemic restrictions, 2020 remains the decade’s benchmark. The SMMT said this year’s success came as the industry faced global pressures, including US tariffs and a cyberattack that temporarily paused Jaguar Land Rover production.
Best-sellers and new competitors
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai led UK sales last month. Two Chinese newcomers, the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, also entered the top ten, reflecting growing international competition in the UK electric car market.
Government grants encourage adoption
More than 20,000 people have benefited from the government’s electric vehicle grant scheme. It applies to models from popular brands including Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. Cars priced below £37,000 qualify for discounts, with the cleanest vehicles receiving the largest reductions. Thirty-six models now receive grants of at least £1,500.
Rising demand highlights growing confidence
Ian Plummer, chief commercial officer at Autotrader, said the grant scheme had given the market “a real lift.” He reported that enquiries for electric vehicles rose by nearly 50% since July, while interest in grant-eligible models more than doubled.
Plummer added that lower prices, more model options, and stronger incentives were accelerating the shift from petrol and diesel. He said the surge in demand confirmed that the UK’s transition to electric vehicles is gathering pace faster than anticipated.
