Charging ahead: electric cars power record September sales

10 October 2025

The UK car market is buzzing, with new registrations climbing 13.7% in September to reach 312,891 vehicles. The best September performance since 2020

According to the latest SMMT figures, the surge was driven by a wave of demand for electrified vehicles, as more drivers and fleets make the switch to cleaner, lower-cost motoring.

EVs take the lead

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) hit new heights, with 72,779 new registrations, making up 23.3% of all sales, a record monthly total. Combined with hybrids and plug-in hybrids, over half of all new cars sold in September were electrified.

This growth has been fuelled by greater choice, competitive manufacturer pricing, and the Electric Car Grant, introduced earlier this year to make EVs more affordable for buyers. Eligible models (roughly a quarter of all BEVs on the market) have seen particularly strong demand, outpacing the wider EV market.

How the numbers stack up against the ZEV mandate

The UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate requires 22% of new cars sold in 2025 to be fully electric. September’s results show the market just ahead of target, with BEVs taking a 23.3% share. That’s good news for manufacturers and a clear sign that the transition to electric is gathering pace. However, the SMMT notes that private buyers still make up less than a quarter of all BEV registrations, so further support and education will be key to sustaining progress.

Fleets first, but private buyers are catching on

Fleet sales led the way, rising nearly 17%, while private registrations were up 8.9%. For businesses, the combination of lower running costs, growing charging infrastructure, and flexible leasing options continues to make electric fleets a smart operational choice.

A turning point for the UK’s electric future

Year to date, the market is up 4.2% overall, and the rapid growth of zero-emission models shows that the UK’s shift to electric transport is moving in the right direction. With the government’s targets within reach and more affordable lease offers emerging, it’s never been easier for drivers and businesses to go electric.

Electric leaders: Who’s driving the charge?

Manufacturers are celebrating record-breaking results across the board:

BMW: Up 8.6% in Europe year-on-year, buoyed by strong demand for its growing range of electric and hybrid models
MG Motor UK: Its best September ever, thanks to new models and growing interest in affordable EVs like the MG4 and MG ZS EV
CUPRA: Up 28.8%, with the fully electric Born remaining a standout performer
Volvo Car UK: Up 23%, with the UK now its largest global market for the all-electric EX30 compact SUV
BYD: A record-breaking 11,271 UK sales in September, making it the second best-selling electric brand of the month. The sleek all-electric SEALION 7 continues to showcase BYD’s growing appeal among UK drivers.

Electric Car Grant Models to Watch

Several newly qualifying models under the Electric Car Grant have seen growing interest, helping drivers save money while going green. Popular options include: