Electric car sales in the UK reached a record high in September, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The figures show that electric and hybrid vehicles now dominate new registrations, marking a major step in the country’s move toward cleaner, low-emission transport.
Electric and hybrid models dominate the market
Fully electric car sales jumped by nearly a third to 72,779 last month. Plug-in hybrid vehicles grew even faster, pushing electric and hybrid registrations to more than half of all new car sales. The SMMT said the growth was driven by larger discounts, a wider selection of models, and the government’s grant scheme.
Businesses and fleets 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 increasing consumer confidence.
Industry celebrates growing momentum
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric vehicles were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer.” He added that investment in electric technology was paying off, even as overall consumer demand remained below expectations. Hawes highlighted the £3,750 government grant for eligible vehicles as a key measure in removing barriers for drivers switching from petrol and diesel.
September sees strongest registrations since 2020
The UK recorded 312,887 new cars in September, the best-performing September since 2020. Despite pandemic restrictions, 2020 remains the decade’s benchmark. The SMMT said the results came even as the industry faced challenges from US tariffs and a cyberattack that temporarily halted Jaguar Land Rover production.
Leading models and new challengers
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai were the UK’s best-selling cars in September. Two Chinese entrants, the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, also broke into the top ten, showing how international brands are reshaping the UK electric car market.
Government grants support adoption
More than 20,000 buyers have benefited from the electric vehicle grant scheme. It applies to models from Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. Cars priced below £37,000 qualify, with the cleanest vehicles receiving the largest reductions. Thirty-six models now qualify for grants of at least £1,500.
Rising demand reflects 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 vehicles rose by almost 50% since July, while interest in grant-eligible models more than doubled.
Plummer added that lower prices, wider model choices, and stronger incentives were speeding up the shift from petrol and diesel. He said the surge in demand confirms that the UK’s electric transition is accelerating faster than expected.
