Complemented by the new Electric Car Grant, OEM discounting and an ever-increasing choice of models, September 2025 is the best month on record for BEV volumes in the UK and accounted for 23.3% of the new car market. And with PHEV and HEV sales also rising strongly, more than half of the 312,887 new cars sold were electrified.
Mirroring the trend of rising sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Europe, demand for BEVs rose strongly in the UK last month. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has reported that September 2025, with deliveries of 72,779 new BEVs, up 29% YoY (September 2024: 56,387 units), has turned out to be the month of highest ever BEV volumes.
Battery electric vehicle (BEVs) uptake grew by 29.1%, on par with the growth seen so far this year. With 72,779 registrations, up 29% YoY (September 2024: 56,387 units), it was the best month on record for BEV volumes, accounting for 23.3% of the new car market’s total sales of 312,887 units, which itself is the best September performance since CY2020 (September 2020: 328,041 units).
The demand for BEVs was driven by manufacturer discounting, an ever-increasing choice of models, and the introduction of the Electric Car Grant, which provided added impetus in certain segments. Qualifying models – which comprise about 25% of available BEVs – enjoyed growth in uptake that outpaced the overall electric market.
Furthermore, at 158,970 units comprising BEVs, PHEVs and HEVs, up 33% YoY (September 2024: 119,659 units), more than half (50.8%) of all new vehicles registered during the month were electrified. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) with 38,308 units delivered were the fastest growing powertrain, rising 56.4% to achieve a 12.2% market share, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) with 47,883 units comprised 15.3% of deliveries.
September, typically in the UK, accounts for around one in seven annual registrations and the strong performance offers a welcome boost after a summer slowdown, stated SMMT. Demonstrating the sector’s resilience, overall demand year to date is up 4.2%, while the significant efforts to grow BEV demand are succeeding, with zero emission vehicles comprising more than one in five (22.1%) new cars registered so far in 2025.
At 158,970 units comprising BEVs, PHEVs and HEVs, more than half (50.8%) of all new vehicles sold in the UK in September were electrified and registered strong 33% YoY growth.
New car sales up 13.7% to 312,887 units
The UK new car market rose by 13.7% in September to reach 312,887 registrations, according to preliminary figures from SMMT. The performance was the strongest for the crucial ‘new numberplate’ month since September 2020 which, despite lockdown restrictions, remains the best so far this decade.
All market sectors drove growth, with the biggest increase recorded by fleets, where volumes rose 16.9% to reach 174,335 units. Private consumer demand also rose, up 8.9% to 131,000 units, while business registrations rose 28.6% to reach 7,552 deliveries.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Electrified vehicles are powering market growth after a sluggish summer – and with record ZEV uptake, massive industry investment is paying off, despite demand still trailing ambition. The Electric Car Grant will help to break down one of the barriers holding back more drivers from making the switch – and tackling remaining roadblocks, by unlocking infrastructure investment and driving down energy costs, will be crucial to the success of the industry and the environmental goals we share.”
ALSO READ: BEV sales in Europe jump 2% to 159,746 units in August
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