Electric car sales in the UK hit unprecedented levels in September, new industry data shows. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal booming demand for electric and hybrid models, signalling a major milestone in Britain’s green transition.
Electric and hybrid models surge ahead
Fully electric car sales jumped by nearly a third to 72,779 in September. Plug-in hybrid models saw an even stronger rise, helping electric and hybrid vehicles make up more than half of all new car registrations. The SMMT said generous discounts, a wider variety of models, and the launch of a new government grant scheme fuelled the growth.
Businesses and fleets bought most of the electric cars sold last month, accounting for 71.4% of registrations. Yet private ownership is rising quickly. Electric cars now represent more than one in five new vehicles registered so far in 2025.
Industry leaders hail breakthrough moment
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric cars were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer.” He added that heavy investment in electric vehicle technology was starting to pay off, despite consumer demand still lagging behind industry ambitions. Hawes praised the government’s £3,750 discount for qualifying electric cars, calling it a vital tool for removing financial barriers.
Strongest September performance since 2020
In total, 312,887 new cars were registered last month — the best September result since 2020. That year remains the strongest of the decade, even with pandemic restrictions in place. The SMMT said the rebound came despite industry pressures, including new US tariffs and a cyberattack that temporarily halted Jaguar Land Rover’s production.
Market favourites and new entrants
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai were the UK’s best-selling cars in September. Two Chinese newcomers, the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, also made it into the top ten. Their success reflects growing international competition in the UK’s fast-changing electric vehicle market.
Government incentives boost buyer confidence
The government said more than 20,000 drivers have already benefited from its electric vehicle grant scheme. The programme covers models from brands such as Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. Discounts apply to cars costing under £37,000, with the cleanest vehicles receiving the largest reductions. In total, 36 models now qualify for grants of at least £1,500.
Demand for EVs continues to accelerate
Ian Plummer, chief commercial officer at Autotrader, said the grants had given the market a powerful boost. “Since July, enquiries for new electric vehicles on Autotrader are up by almost 50%,” he said. “For grant-eligible models, interest has more than doubled.”
Plummer added that dropping prices, wider model choices, and stronger incentives were speeding up the shift away from petrol and diesel. He said the surge in demand showed growing public confidence in the UK’s electric future.
