Electric and hybrid vehicles led the surge as he UK’s new car market rose by 13.7% in September 2025, reaching 312,891 registrations, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

This is the highest overall growth the market has seen since 2020 and battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations grew 29.1% to 72,779 units, the highest monthly total on record.

When combined with hybrids, more than half (50.8%) of all new cars registered were electrified. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) saw the fastest growth, rising 56.4%, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) increased by 23.5%. 

The introduction of the Electric Car Grant (ECG) has helped boost sales, particularly among qualifying models, which made up about a quarter of all BEVs and grew 36% year on year.

The SMMT noted that this support, alongside broader model choice and manufacturer discounts, has helped make electric cars more accessible to consumers.

Fleet sales recorded the biggest overall rise at 16.9%, while private registrations increased 8.9%.

Despite this growth, private buyers still represent fewer than one in four new BEV purchases this year, highlighting the need for further incentives and charging infrastructure to encourage wider adoption.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said the results show “electrified vehicles are powering market growth,” but added that more action is needed to meet government targets and ensure long-term success.