Electric car sales in the UK surged to record levels in September, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The figures show electric and hybrid vehicles now dominate new registrations, underscoring the country’s accelerating move toward sustainable transport.
Electric and hybrid vehicles fuel market growth
Sales of fully electric cars climbed by nearly a third to 72,779 last month. Plug-in hybrid sales grew even faster, lifting the total share of electric and hybrid cars to more than half of all new registrations. The SMMT said attractive discounts, a broader model range, and the government’s new grant scheme had driven the market to new heights.
Businesses and fleets still accounted for most electric purchases, making up 71.4% of registrations. However, private buyers are increasingly joining the shift. Electric cars now represent more than one in five new vehicles registered in 2025 — a clear sign that consumer confidence is growing.
Industry welcomes shift in momentum
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric vehicles were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer.” He noted that years of investment in electric technology were beginning to deliver results. Although demand among private consumers remains below expectations, Hawes said the £3,750 government grant for eligible cars was breaking down one of the biggest cost barriers.
Strongest September performance in half a decade
The UK registered 312,887 new cars in September, the highest figure for that month since 2020. Despite the pandemic challenges of that year, 2020 remains the strongest September of the decade. The SMMT said the industry’s recovery came despite wider pressures, including new US tariffs and a cyberattack that forced Jaguar Land Rover to halt production.
Familiar brands and new challengers share success
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai topped the UK’s sales charts in September. Two newcomers from China — the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U — also entered the top ten, signalling rising international competition in the UK’s growing electric car sector.
Government grants drive demand
The government said more than 20,000 buyers have already benefited from the electric vehicle grant scheme. It covers models from brands including Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. The scheme applies to new cars priced below £37,000, with the most efficient vehicles receiving the largest discounts. Thirty-six models now qualify for savings of at least £1,500.
Growing interest across the country
Autotrader’s chief commercial officer, Ian Plummer, said the grant scheme had given the electric car market “a real lift.” He reported that enquiries for new electric models had risen by almost 50% since July. For cars eligible for the grant, interest had more than doubled.
Plummer added that lower prices, a greater range of models, and stronger incentives were encouraging more drivers to move away from petrol and diesel. He said the surge in demand showed that Britain’s switch to electric vehicles was gathering pace faster than many had predicted.
