Electric car sales in the UK reached an all-time high in September, new data shows. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal a surge in demand for electric and hybrid models, marking a major step in Britain’s move toward cleaner transport.
Electric and hybrid vehicles dominate new registrations
Sales of fully electric cars jumped by almost a third to 72,779 last month. Plug-in hybrid sales rose even faster, pushing electric and hybrid cars together to account for more than half of all new registrations. The SMMT said discounts, an expanding range of models, and the new government grant scheme had all helped boost the market.
Fleet and business buyers made up the majority of sales, representing 71.4% of new electric car purchases. However, more private drivers are joining the shift, with sales to individuals rising sharply this year. Electric cars now make up more than one in five new registrations in 2025.
Industry applauds rapid progress
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric cars were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer.” He added that major investments in electric technology were paying off, even if consumer demand still lagged behind expectations. Hawes praised the £3,750 government grant for eligible electric vehicles, calling it a key measure to remove cost barriers for hesitant buyers.
Record-breaking September for car sales
A total of 312,887 new vehicles were registered in September, making it the strongest month since 2020. That year remains the decade’s best despite the impact of pandemic restrictions. The SMMT said the robust performance came as the industry faced challenges from new US tariffs and a cyberattack that temporarily shut down Jaguar Land Rover production.
Top models and rising competition
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai were the UK’s top-selling cars in September. Two Chinese newcomers — the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U — also entered the top ten. Their presence highlights intensifying global competition in the UK’s growing electric car sector.
Government grants boost public interest
More than 20,000 people have already benefited from the government’s electric car grant scheme. The offer includes models from brands such as Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. It applies to new cars priced under £37,000, with cleaner vehicles receiving the largest reductions. So far, 36 models qualify for discounts of at least £1,500.
Rising demand signals growing confidence
Ian Plummer, chief commercial officer at Autotrader, said the grant scheme had given the market “a real lift.” He reported that enquiries for electric vehicles have risen nearly 50% since July, with interest in grant-eligible cars more than doubling.
Plummer said falling prices, increased incentives, and wider availability were convincing more drivers to move away from petrol and diesel. He added that the UK’s electric transition was now accelerating faster than experts had forecast.
