Electric Car Sales Reach Record High in September 2025 Amid Rising Demand for EVs

Electric vehicle sales in the UK reached a new record in September, marking a significant shift in consumer adoption and market growth. According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), nearly 73,000 pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered last month, representing a year-on-year increase of almost 33%. Sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles also grew at an even faster pace, pushing electrified cars—both fully electric and hybrid—to account for over half of all new car registrations in the UK during the month.

The surge in electric car sales has been attributed to a combination of wider model availability, competitive manufacturer discounts, and support from the government’s grant scheme. Under this program, drivers can receive up to £3,750 off the purchase price of eligible electric vehicles, making the transition from petrol or diesel more affordable. So far in 2025, over 20,000 buyers have benefitted from the scheme, which covers 36 car models from major automakers including Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen.

Fleet and business customers made up 71.4% of BEV registrations in September, but the number of private buyers choosing fully electric vehicles also rose. Zero-emission cars now represent 22.1% of all new cars registered in 2025 to date, a sign of growing public interest. The overall market saw 312,887 new vehicle registrations, making September the strongest sales month since 2020.

Mike Hawes, CEO of the SMMT, noted that electric and hybrid models are now driving the recovery of the UK car market after a slower summer, with industry investment beginning to show tangible returns. However, he also acknowledged that consumer demand is still catching up with expectations, pointing to the EV grant as a key tool in addressing affordability concerns and encouraging further adoption.

In addition to strong domestic sales, the growing presence of Chinese EV brands in the UK was notable, with models like the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U entering the top 10 best-sellers list for the first time. Traditional best-sellers like the Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai also maintained their popularity, reflecting a balanced mix of legacy and emerging automakers in the market.

Autotrader reported that interest in EVs has surged since the government grant was introduced, with a nearly 50% increase in new EV enquiries and more than double the interest in models eligible for the discount. Industry analysts say these trends indicate strong momentum in the UK’s shift toward cleaner mobility, supported by both policy incentives and a growing selection of competitively priced electric vehicles.