Electric car sales in the UK hit record levels in September, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The surge marks a major step in the country’s shift toward cleaner and more sustainable transport.
Electric and hybrid cars take the lead
Sales of fully electric cars soared by almost a third to 72,779 units last month. Plug-in hybrid sales rose even faster, helping electric and hybrid models together make up more than half of all new car registrations. The SMMT said growing discounts, more model options, and the launch of a government grant scheme boosted demand across the market.
Businesses and fleet buyers continued to dominate electric car purchases, accounting for 71.4% of registrations. Still, private buyers increased their share, showing growing confidence in electric mobility. So far in 2025, electric vehicles make up over one in five new cars sold nationwide.
Industry welcomes a turning point
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric models were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer.” He noted that years of investment in electric technology were starting to pay off. Although consumer demand still trails industry ambitions, Hawes said the government’s £3,750 grant for eligible electric cars was breaking down one of the main barriers to adoption.
Strongest September in five years
A total of 312,887 new cars were registered in September — the best result for the month since 2020. That year, despite pandemic restrictions, remains the highest-performing September of the decade. The SMMT said the recovery came even as the industry faced US tariffs and a major cyberattack that disrupted Jaguar Land Rover’s production.
Top performers and rising newcomers
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai led UK car sales in September. Two Chinese models — the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U — also entered the top ten. Their appearance highlights growing competition from international manufacturers in the electric car market.
Grants spark new wave of buyers
Government figures show that more than 20,000 people have now received support through the electric vehicle grant scheme. It covers cars from well-known brands such as Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. Discounts apply to models priced under £37,000, with the most eco-friendly vehicles receiving the largest savings. Thirty-six models currently qualify for reductions of at least £1,500.
Demand for EVs surges across the UK
Autotrader’s chief commercial officer, Ian Plummer, said the grant had given the market “a real lift.” He noted that enquiries for new electric vehicles on the platform have risen by nearly 50% since July. For grant-eligible models, interest has more than doubled.
Plummer said the increase showed that falling prices, wider choice, and financial incentives were encouraging more people to move away from petrol and diesel cars. He added that the UK’s transition to electric driving was gaining momentum faster than many had predicted.
