Electric car sales in the UK reached record levels in September, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The data shows electric and hybrid vehicles now dominate new registrations, marking a major milestone in Britain’s move toward cleaner, low-emission transport.
Electric and hybrid vehicles lead growth
Fully electric car sales jumped nearly a third to 72,779 units last month. Plug-in hybrid models grew even faster, pushing combined electric and hybrid registrations to more than half of all new car sales. The SMMT said larger discounts, a broader model range, and the government’s grant scheme drove the surge.
Businesses and fleets purchased 71.4% of new electric vehicles, but private ownership is increasing. Electric cars now make up over one in five new registrations in 2025, reflecting growing consumer confidence.
Industry hails strong 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 paying off, even though overall consumer demand remained below expectations. Hawes highlighted the £3,750 government grant for eligible vehicles as a key measure to remove barriers for drivers switching from petrol and diesel.
September sees record registrations
The UK recorded 312,887 new cars in September, marking the strongest month for that period since 2020. Despite pandemic restrictions that year, 2020 remains the decade’s benchmark. The SMMT said the performance came even as the industry faced challenges from US tariffs and a cyberattack that temporarily halted Jaguar Land Rover production.
Top-selling models and new entrants
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, showing how international competition is reshaping the UK electric car market.
Government incentives boost adoption
More than 20,000 buyers have benefited from the electric vehicle grant scheme. It covers models from Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. Cars priced below £37,000 qualify, with the cleanest vehicles receiving the largest reductions. Thirty-six models now receive grants of at least £1,500.
Rising interest highlights confidence
Autotrader’s chief commercial officer, Ian Plummer, said the grant scheme had given the market “a real lift.” He reported that enquiries for new electric vehicles increased by almost 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 gaining momentum faster than expected.
