Electric car sales in the UK surged to record levels in September, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The figures show electric and hybrid vehicles now dominate new registrations, marking a significant step in the country’s transition toward cleaner transport.
Electric and hybrid vehicles drive growth
Fully electric car sales jumped by nearly a third to 72,779 last month. Plug-in hybrid models grew even faster, helping electric and hybrid vehicles together account for more than half of all new registrations. The SMMT said rising discounts, a wider range of models, and the government’s grant scheme fueled the surge.
Businesses and fleet buyers accounted for 71.4% of sales, but private ownership is growing rapidly. Electric cars now make up over one in five new registrations in 2025, reflecting increased consumer confidence.
Industry hails strong momentum
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric vehicles were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer.” He noted that long-term investment in electric technology was paying off, even as overall consumer demand still lagged behind expectations. Hawes highlighted the £3,750 government grant for eligible vehicles as a key factor in reducing barriers for drivers switching from petrol and diesel.
September achieves strongest month since 2020
The UK recorded 312,887 new car registrations in September, its best-performing month since 2020. Despite pandemic challenges that year, 2020 remains the decade’s benchmark. The SMMT said this strong performance came as the industry faced pressures from US tariffs and a cyberattack that temporarily halted Jaguar Land Rover production.
Top sellers and emerging competitors
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai were the UK’s best-selling cars last month. Two Chinese newcomers, the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, also entered the top ten, reflecting the growing presence of international brands in the UK electric car market.
Government incentives boost adoption
More than 20,000 buyers have benefited from the electric vehicle grant scheme. The programme covers models from brands such as 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 consumer 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 cars rose by nearly 50% since July, while interest in grant-eligible models more than doubled.
Plummer added that lower prices, wider model choices, and stronger incentives were accelerating the move away from petrol and diesel. He said the surge in demand confirmed that the UK’s electric transition was gaining momentum faster than expected.
