Electric car sales in the UK soared to a record high in September, new industry figures reveal. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows a major boost in electric and hybrid registrations, marking a turning point for the country’s car market.
Electric and hybrid models dominate registrations
Sales of fully electric vehicles jumped by nearly a third to 72,779 in September. Plug-in hybrid sales rose even faster, helping electric and hybrid models together claim over half of all new car registrations. The SMMT said this growth came from stronger discounts, more model options, and the launch of a government grant scheme encouraging drivers to go electric.
Most new electric cars went to businesses or fleets, which made up 71.4% of total registrations. Yet private sales also climbed, with more households making the switch. Electric vehicles now represent over one in five new cars sold in 2025.
Industry credits investment and incentives
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric vehicles were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer”. He added that heavy investment in EV technology was paying off, though consumer demand still lagged behind industry expectations. Hawes praised the government’s £3,750 discount scheme for eligible electric cars, calling it a vital step to remove barriers for hesitant buyers.
Strongest September since 2020
A total of 312,887 new cars were registered in September, the best result for the month since 2020. That year still holds the decade’s top record despite pandemic restrictions. The SMMT said the rebound came as the industry faced external pressures, including new US tariffs and a cyberattack that forced Jaguar Land Rover to halt production.
Market leaders and new challengers
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai led sales charts in September. Two Chinese models, the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, also entered the top ten, signalling rising international competition in the UK’s electric market. This shift highlights how quickly new players are reshaping the industry.
Government grants fuel buyer confidence
Government figures show more than 20,000 people have benefited from electric car grants so far. The discounts apply to models from major brands such as Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. Eligible vehicles priced up to £37,000 receive reductions, with cleaner cars getting bigger cuts. Thirty-six models now qualify for savings of at least £1,500.
Demand surges as buyers respond
Ian Plummer, chief commercial officer at Autotrader, said the grant scheme had given the market a strong boost. “Since July, enquiries for new electric vehicles on Autotrader are up by almost 50%,” he said. “For models eligible for the grant, interest has more than doubled.”
Plummer noted that falling prices and rising incentives had increased buyer confidence. He said more choice and improved affordability were driving the shift from petrol and diesel cars faster than predicted, marking a major milestone for the UK’s electric transition.
