Electric car sales in the UK hit an all-time high in September, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The data shows that electric and hybrid vehicles now dominate new registrations, marking a significant step in Britain’s shift toward low-emission transport.
Electric and hybrid vehicles lead the market
Fully electric car sales rose by nearly a third to 72,779 last month. Plug-in hybrid models grew even faster, pushing combined electric and hybrid registrations to more than half of all new cars sold. The SMMT said rising discounts, an expanded model range, and the government’s grant scheme fueled the surge.
Businesses and fleet buyers purchased the majority of vehicles, accounting for 71.4% of sales. Private ownership is also growing, with electric cars now making up more than one in five new registrations in 2025.
Industry praises growing momentum
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electric vehicles were “powering market growth after a sluggish summer.” He added that years of investment in electric technology were starting to pay off, even as consumer demand remained below industry expectations. Hawes highlighted the £3,750 government grant for eligible models as a key step in removing barriers for drivers switching from petrol and diesel.
September achieves strongest month since 2020
The UK registered 312,887 new vehicles in September, marking the best September performance since 2020. Despite the pandemic, 2020 remains the decade’s benchmark. The SMMT said the results came even as the industry faced challenges from US tariffs and a cyberattack that temporarily halted Jaguar Land Rover production.
Top models and new competition
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai led UK sales in September. Two Chinese models, the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, also entered the top ten, showing how international competition is reshaping the UK electric car market.
Government grants encourage adoption
More than 20,000 buyers have benefited from the electric vehicle grant scheme. The programme covers models from Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, and Citroen. Cars priced under £37,000 qualify, with the cleanest vehicles receiving the largest reductions. Thirty-six models now qualify for grants of at least £1,500.
Growing interest signals confidence
Autotrader’s chief commercial officer, Ian Plummer, said the grant scheme had given the market “a real lift.” He reported that enquiries for new electric cars have risen by almost 50% since July, while interest in grant-eligible models has more than doubled.
Plummer added that lower prices, more model options, and stronger incentives are accelerating the shift from petrol and diesel. He said the surge in demand shows that the UK’s electric transition is gaining momentum faster than expected.
