London: Electric vehicle (EV) sales in the UK have surged to a record high in September, with battery-powered and hybrid models making up more than half of all new car registrations, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Strong growth in EV registrations
Sales of pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) jumped by nearly a third to 72,779 in September, while plug-in hybrid cars posted even faster growth. In total, new vehicle registrations reached 312,887, the strongest September since 2020.
The SMMT said growth was fuelled by a combination of manufacturer discounts, wider model availability, and the launch of the government’s new EV grant scheme. Under the initiative, drivers can claim up to £3,750 ($5,053) off eligible new electric cars costing up to £37,000 ($49,864).
Fleet demand dominates, private sales rising
The data showed that businesses and fleet operators accounted for 71.4 percent of BEV registrations. However, private demand is also on the rise, with zero-emission vehicles now representing more than one in five (22.1 percent) of all cars sold in the UK so far this year.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said electrified vehicles were powering market growth after a sluggish summer and stressed that investment in electric technology was paying dividends, even if consumer demand still lagged behind government ambitions.
EV grants boost market confidence
Since July, more than 20,000 drivers have benefited from the grant scheme, with discounts available on 36 models from brands including Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall and Citroën. Some vehicles qualify for price cuts of at least £1,500 ($2,021).
Ian Plummer, chief commercial officer at Autotrader, said the scheme had provided a real lift to the market. Ian Plummer noted that enquiries for new EVs on the platform were up by nearly 50 percent since July, with interest in grant-eligible models more than doubling.
Chinese brands enter top sellers
The Kia Sportage, Ford Puma and Nissan Qashqai were the UK’s best-selling models in September, but the presence of Chinese entrants – the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U – in the top 10 highlighted growing international competition in the UK EV market.
Industry challenges remain
Despite the strong figures, the UK auto industry resumes to face headwinds, including the economic impact of US tariffs and production halts at Jaguar Land Rover due to a major cyberattack.
Still, industry leaders remain optimistic that the grant scheme and increasing consumer awareness will continue to drive momentum in the transition to electric vehicles.
MOST READ | Munich Airport cancels flights after drones spotted in airspace
