Electric car sales in the UK climbed to record levels in September, according to fresh data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The latest figures show that electric and hybrid models now dominate the market, marking a major shift toward greener transport across the country.
Electric and hybrid sales power ahead
Sales of fully electric cars jumped by nearly a third to 72,779 last month. Plug-in hybrid models grew even faster, helping electric and hybrid vehicles together account for more than half of all new registrations. The SMMT said the rise came from bigger discounts, more model choices, and the introduction of the government’s new grant scheme.
Businesses and fleets made up the majority of electric sales, representing 71.4% of registrations. But more private buyers are joining the shift, with electric cars now making up more than one in five new registrations so far in 2025.
Industry celebrates rising demand
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric vehicles were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer.” He added that major investment in electric technology was finally paying off, despite demand still trailing behind expectations. Hawes said the government’s £3,750 grant for qualifying models was helping drivers overcome financial barriers to switching from petrol and diesel.
Record-breaking September for new car sales
The UK saw 312,887 new car registrations in September — the strongest result for that month since 2020. Despite the pandemic, 2020 remains the best year of the decade. The SMMT said this year’s success came even as the industry faced difficulties from US tariffs and a cyberattack that halted production at Jaguar Land Rover.
Familiar best-sellers and new arrivals
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai topped UK sales in September. Two Chinese newcomers, the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, also made the top ten, reflecting how fast global competition is reshaping the UK market.
Government support accelerates adoption
More than 20,000 people have already benefited from the electric vehicle grant scheme, the government said. The programme includes cars from popular brands such as Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. Discounts apply to vehicles priced under £37,000, with the most eco-friendly models receiving the biggest savings. So far, 36 models qualify for grants of at least £1,500.
Interest in electric cars continues to climb
Autotrader’s chief commercial officer, Ian Plummer, said the government scheme had given the market “a real lift.” He noted that enquiries for electric vehicles on the platform have risen by almost 50% since July, while interest in grant-eligible models has more than doubled.
Plummer said falling prices, greater incentives, and more vehicle options were speeding up the move away from petrol and diesel. He added that the growing momentum showed Britain’s electric transition was happening faster than the industry expected.
