Electric car sales in the UK reached an all-time high in September, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The figures show that electric and hybrid vehicles now dominate new registrations, signalling a major step in Britain’s shift toward greener transport.
Electric and hybrid vehicles dominate the market
Fully electric car sales rose by nearly a third to 72,779 last month. Plug-in hybrid sales grew even faster, pushing combined electric and hybrid registrations to over half of all new cars sold. The SMMT said discounts, an expanding model range, and the government’s new grant scheme helped drive the surge.
Businesses and fleet operators accounted for the majority of sales, making up 71.4% of new electric cars. However, private ownership is rising rapidly. Electric vehicles now represent more than one in five new registrations in 2025, reflecting growing consumer confidence.
Industry welcomes strong growth
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric vehicles were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer.” He added that investments in electric technology were paying off, even though overall demand remained below industry goals. Hawes highlighted the £3,750 government grant for eligible cars as a key measure to remove barriers for drivers switching from petrol and diesel.
September marks strongest month since 2020
The UK recorded 312,887 new car registrations in September, its best performance for the month since 2020. That year, despite pandemic restrictions, remains the decade’s strongest September. The SMMT said the results came as the industry navigated global challenges, including US tariffs and a cyberattack that temporarily halted Jaguar Land Rover production.
Best-sellers and rising challengers
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai topped UK sales last month. Two Chinese models, the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, also entered the top ten, showing how international brands are making a stronger impact in the UK market.
Government incentives boost adoption
More than 20,000 buyers have benefited from the electric vehicle grant scheme, according to the government. The programme covers models from Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. Discounts apply to cars priced under £37,000, with the cleanest models receiving the largest reductions. Thirty-six vehicles now qualify for grants of at least £1,500.
Rising interest highlights growing confidence
Autotrader’s chief commercial officer, Ian Plummer, said the grant scheme had given the market “a real lift.” Enquiries for new electric cars have risen by nearly 50% since July, and interest in grant-eligible models has more than doubled.
Plummer added that lower prices, more model choices, and stronger incentives were encouraging drivers to leave petrol and diesel behind. He said the surge in demand showed the UK’s electric transition was accelerating faster than expected.
