Surge in Electric Vehicle Sales: September Breaks Records!

Electric vehicle (EV) sales in the UK soared to an unprecedented high in September, as the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal a remarkable growth trajectory. Sales of pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) jumped by nearly 33%, reaching 72,779 units last month, while plug-in hybrids experienced even steeper sales increases. As a result, fully electric and hybrid vehicles combined accounted for more than 50% of all new car registrations in the UK.

This surge can primarily be attributed to several factors, including manufacturers offering significant discounts, an increased selection of electric models, and the implementation of a government grant scheme aimed at promoting the shift away from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. Despite the uptick in BEV registrations, it’s noteworthy that a substantial 71.4% of these vehicles were purchased by businesses or for use in fleets. However, there has been a rise in private buyers engaging with fully electric options over the past year, with zero-emission vehicles now representing over 22.1% of all new cars registered in 2025 so far.

Mike Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive, commented on the market dynamics, stating that electrified vehicles were effectively “powering market growth” following a sluggish summer period. He confirmed that industry investments in electric vehicle technology were yielding positive results, although he acknowledged that consumer demand is still falling behind current ambitions.

Further aiding the market, the government’s electric car grant scheme, which offers discounts of up to £3,750 for eligible vehicles, has proven to be a crucial initiative. It is designed to help alleviate barriers that prevent consumers from transitioning to electric vehicles. To date, more than 20,000 individuals have benefitted from these grants, applicable to numerous popular brands, including Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen.

The overall new vehicle registrations numbered 312,887 in September, marking the strongest performance for this month since 2020. This comes at a time when the UK car industry grapples with various challenges, including US tariffs and production disruptions following cyber-attacks affecting Jaguar Land Rover. The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai topped the sales charts, while two Chinese models, the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, also made their presence felt within the top 10 best-sellers. Ian Plummer from Autotrader indicated that inquiries for EVs have surged by nearly 50% since July, with interest in grant-eligible models more than doubling, showcasing a robust market interest in the electric vehicle sector.