Figures for September suggest that around 70,000 new battery-electric vehicles (BEV) hit the road last month, which is the second highest figure behind March 2025.
The news on registrations from New Automotive, which means that BEVs now account for 23.2% of the new car market, also saw almost 4,000 electric vans – the second highest figure recorded to-date – and some 111 new e-HGVs.
It comes as ICE vehicles continue to decline, with diesel registrations collapsing by a third compared with last September, taking just 4% of the market – the weakest September in 25 years.
It comes as separate statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) stated more than half (50.8%) of all new vehicles registered during the 75-plate month were electrified.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) were the fastest growing powertrain, rising 56.4% to achieve a 12.2% market share, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) comprised 15.3% of deliveries. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake grew by 29.1%, on par with the growth seen so far this year.
Zero emission vehicles comprise more than one in five (22.1%) new cars registered so far in 2025.
The vehicle manufacturing sector is continuing to over-perform against its implied ZEV Mandate target, according to New Automotive. With a 22.16% BEV market share so far this year, compared to a required 21.76%, the market is generating a surplus of credits.
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.”
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK said: 
“It is fantastic to see the impact positive government action can have on encouraging people to choose electric cars by tackling some of the up-front cost. If we are to ensure that millions more drivers make the switch, we need similar action on charging costs.
“Most drivers can charge affordably today with a mix of home and on-the-go charging and the public charging sector is innovating to provide cost effective options. But to make driving an EV affordable for all, we need action on charge point operators’ sky-high energy costs, to address the VAT penalty and to introduce EV charging to the existing renewable fuel credit scheme.” 
Vicky Edmonds, Chief Executive of EVA England, said:
“Another strong month for EV sales showing the UK both remains on track with its Net Zero targets and that, most importantly, drivers are increasingly seeing electric and hybrid options as the clearer choice to make.
“Further proof that with the right policies to help attract consumers towards electric, the UK is capable and well in the process of transitioning away from more polluting vehicles.”
Image from Shutterstock
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David Rosselli, Energy Saving Trust
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