Record electric vehicle sales in UK as global EV markets surge
Tue 07 October 2025
View all news
Electric vehicle sales data for September showed that a record number of EVs were sold according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). September is the biggest month for sales as it is the 'new numberplate' month. More than half of all new vehicles registered were electrified (29% BEV; 12.2% PHEV and 15.3% HEV).
The electric vehicles figures were set against the highest overall UK new car market sales figures since September 2020.
The SMMT reported that September was the best month on record for BEV volumes with 72,779 registrations, accounting for 23.3% of the market. (Exceeding the previous highest month - March 2025 - by over 3,000 units.) SMMT said that the market was driven by manufacturer discounting, an ever-increasing choice of models, and the introduction of the Electric Car Grant, which provided added impetus in certain segments. Qualifying models – which comprise about 25% of available BEVs – enjoyed growth in uptake that outpaced the overall electric market.
The latest figures also showed that almost 4,000 electric vans – the second highest figure recorded to-date – and some 111 new e-HGVs were registered.
The electric vehicle growth comes against a backdrop of ICE vehicle decline; diesel registrations collapsed by a third compared with September 2024, taking just 4% of the market – the weakest September in 25 years.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “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.”
Vicky Edmonds, Chief Executive of EVA England, said: “Further proof that with the right policies to help attract consumers towards electric, the UK is capable and well in the process of transitioning away from more polluting vehicles.”
Meanwhile, the latest international data shows that battery electric vehicle demand is also surging outside the UK, led overwhelmingly by China (the single biggest market) with strong, growing uptake across major European markets and rising purchases in the United States. Top demand by volume is in China, then large EU markets (notably Germany and the Netherlands), followed by the US; Norway and small European markets show the highest BEV market shares.
According to PwC, BEVs achieved a 34% market share in China in the third-quarter of 2025. Norway is the leading world market where over 90% of new car sales are now BEVs. The share is growing in other major markets including France (c20%), Germany (c19%) and the US (c10%).
(Image: Courtesy SMMT)
Related Links
< Back to news list