Electric vehicle sales reached a new milestone last month, with the UK seeing record-breaking demand for cleaner, greener cars.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), sales of fully electric vehicles (BEVs) rose nearly 30% in September to 72,779 units, while plug-in hybrids grew even faster. Together, electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for more than half of all new car registrations, a first for the UK market.
The surge was driven by an expanded range of models, competitive pricing, and the government’s new EV grant scheme, which offers discounts of up to £3,750 to support the switch from petrol and diesel.
While the majority of electric cars were purchased by businesses and fleets, more private drivers are now making the transition. So far in 2025, zero-emission vehicles represent over one in five new cars registered, a clear sign of growing public confidence in electric mobility.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes described the trend as “electrified vehicles powering market growth after a sluggish summer,” adding that continued investment in EV technology is “paying off.”
September’s total of 312,887 new registrations marked the strongest month since 2020, showing that momentum in the UK car market is accelerating.
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai topped the sales charts, joined by emerging contenders like the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U from China, reflecting the expanding diversity of the EV market.
The government reported that more than 20,000 drivers have already benefited from the grant scheme, which applies to 36 approved models from major brands including Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroën.
Ian Plummer, Autotrader’s chief commercial officer, said the initiative had provided “a real lift to the market,” noting that enquiries for new electric vehicles on the platform have risen by almost 50% since July and have more than doubled for models eligible for the grant.
Overall, the record-breaking month signals growing confidence in the UK’s shift toward sustainable driving, with more choice, better value, and stronger incentives than ever before.
