Electric car sales in the UK reached a historic milestone in September, according to fresh data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The figures show that electric and hybrid models now dominate new registrations, reflecting a nationwide shift toward cleaner and more sustainable mobility.
Electric and hybrid cars take centre stage
Sales of fully electric vehicles surged by nearly a third to 72,779 units last month. Plug-in hybrids rose even faster, helping electric and hybrid cars together make up more than half of all new car registrations. The SMMT said growing discounts, a wider range of models, and the new government grant scheme were the main forces driving this momentum.
Fleet and business buyers still account for most of the purchases, with 71.4% of new electric cars going to company fleets. However, private demand is growing fast. Electric vehicles now represent more than one in five new cars registered in 2025, showing clear signs of broader consumer acceptance.
Industry praises strong performance
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric vehicles were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer.” He explained that major industry investments in battery and vehicle technology were beginning to pay off. Although consumer uptake still trails industry ambitions, Hawes said the government’s £3,750 grant for eligible models was helping more people overcome financial barriers.
September delivers record-breaking results
A total of 312,887 new cars were registered in September, making it the strongest month since 2020. Despite the challenges of that year’s pandemic restrictions, 2020 still holds the record for the decade. The SMMT said the positive results came even as the industry faced external pressures such as new US tariffs and a cyberattack that forced Jaguar Land Rover to halt production temporarily.
Market leaders face new competition
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai topped the sales charts in September. Two Chinese newcomers, the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, also entered the top ten, highlighting the rapid globalisation of the UK’s electric car market. Their success signals that international brands are increasingly challenging established manufacturers on British roads.
Government support fuels EV growth
Government data shows that more than 20,000 people have benefited from the electric vehicle grant scheme so far. The initiative covers popular brands including Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. It applies to models priced below £37,000, with the most environmentally friendly vehicles receiving the biggest discounts. In total, 36 models now qualify for reductions of at least £1,500.
Consumer demand continues to climb
Ian Plummer, chief commercial officer at Autotrader, said the grant scheme had given the market “a real boost.” He reported that enquiries for new electric cars on Autotrader have risen by almost 50% since July, while interest in grant-eligible models has more than doubled.
Plummer added that lower prices, broader model choices, and government incentives were accelerating the shift from petrol and diesel. He said growing public confidence in electric vehicles was driving the UK’s rapid transition toward a cleaner automotive future.
