Battery-electric vehicles (BEV) made up 26% of all new car sales in October, according to new data from New AutoMotive. The strongest market share of 2025 so far for BEVs, PHEVs also rose to 12%, meaning 40% of all new
Battery-electric vehicles (BEV) made up 26% of all new car sales in October, according to new data from New AutoMotive.
The strongest market share of 2025 so far for BEVs, PHEVs also rose to 12%, meaning 40% of all new cars registered this month came with a plug.
At the same time, petrol and diesel cars continue to fall, with petrol registrations dropping 25% year-on-year and diesel falling 17%, pushing ICE vehicles to the lowest market share in years. The two fossil fuel powertrains now account for around a third of new car sales.
Hybrid models remain the largest single segment at 31% although it recorded a decline in volumes this month. The electric van market also maintained momentum, achieving a 9.7% share of new registrations, up on the year-to-date figure of 9.1%.
Despite lower total van sales this month, BEVs remained the most resilient segment, signalling that UK businesses continue to switch to electric models to cut running costs and emissions, New Automotive said.
Separate figures from the SMMT revealed that BEVs rose by 23.6%, equivalent to 7,028 additional units. Plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) uptake rose 27.2% to account for 12.1% of the market, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) posted growth of 2.1% to claim a 13.3% share.
Combined, electrified vehicles comprised the majority of new car registrations for the second consecutive month, with 50.8% of the market, the SMMT added.
Corrin Reilly, Data Analyst at New AutoMotive, said:
“In a month defined by market decline for petrol and diesel vehicles, battery electric cars have demonstrated their resilience in these tougher market conditions, reaching a 2025 market share high of 26%.
“The direction of travel is unmistakable: motorists are moving towards electric vehicles and not looking back.
“As we enter the final months of 2025, ZEV Mandate compliance across the industry looks to be very likely, especially once the new increased flexibilities are accounted for, with Tesla, Volkswagen, and BMW among the most over-compliant.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“The government has backed the UK automotive sector with EV incentives and global trade deals, helping drive growth and encourage decarbonisation. But scrapping ECOS would undermine that progress – penalising workers, reducing Exchequer income and putting green investment at risk.
“At a time when the Budget should fuel growth, the measure will do the exact opposite. It is time for a rethink.”
Ginny Buckley, the chief executive of Electrifying.com, the electric car buying and advice site said:
“There are some clear winners in October’s car sales figures and Ford has clearly benefitted from being the only brand currently qualifying for the full £3,750 government EV grant. Renault and BYD, meanwhile, are reaping the rewards of betting big on electric, with strong growth thanks to a wave of desirable new models.
“But with petrol sales collapsing and BEVs now accounting for more than a quarter of the market, the writing is on the wall for those still dragging their feet. It begs the question – which carmaker will become the Kodak of the industry?”
John Lewis, CEO, char.gy said:
“These figures show that the transition’s gaining real traction — but we have to make sure it reaches every street. Battery electric vehicles now account for more than a quarter of new cars, while petrol is falling fast. When brands like Ford, Renault and BYD are selling twice as many EVs as a year ago, it’s clear the appetite’s there.
“The challenge now is making charging as easy for the driver without a driveway as it is for those who plug in at home. That’s how we make this shift fair for everyone.”
Delvin Lane, CEO, InstaVolt said:
“The fact that battery electric vehicles now make up 26% of the UK market, with only BEVs and PHEVs showing growth, underlines how quickly the transition to electric is accelerating.
“A 30% fall in petrol sales shows that drivers are making a permanent shift, not just testing the waters. Drivers’ expectations around charging are also evolving. They want the same confidence and convenience they used to have with petrol, and that’s where networks like InstaVolt come in.”
Tanya Sinclair, CEO, Electric Vehicles UK said:
“The data tells a very different story to the headlines. Petrol sales are collapsing while electric vehicle sales continue to surge. Yet too often, coverage focuses on doubt rather than progress. Drivers aren’t confused,
they’re informed and savvy.
“They’ve done their homework, and they know there are more affordable models, better lease options, and smarter charging choices than ever before. At Electric Vehicles UK, we see that confidence growing every day, and this is only the beginning.”
Fiona Howarth, Director | Founder, Octopus Electric Vehicles:
“The tide has turned, monthly figures show battery electric again outselling petrol, taking more than a quarter of the market – as petrol sales fell nearly 30%.
“The well known car brands are embracing the transition, with the likes of Ford and Renault doubling their EV sales since last year. We’ve seen, from our own customer orders, that these brands are grabbing market share. This isn’t a blip, it’s a shift. Drivers are choosing electric for value, performance and progress, and that momentum’s only growing.”
Image from Shutterstock
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