Plug-in cars accounted for nearly two in every five (35.5%) of September’s recent automotive registrations, because the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) recorded the strongest plate-change September since 2020 at 312,687 units.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for nearly one in 4 (23.3%) registrations, while plug-in hybrid (PHEV) demand rose most rapidly to account for one in 10 (12.2%) of the market.
Nevertheless recent automotive orders for petrol and diesel cars was still double that of BEVs, at 153,917 units versus 72,779, yet it was still a brand new record for a month’s sales of pure electric cars.
Three of the UK’s 10 best-sellers in September were cars from China: the Jaecoo 7, the BYD Seal U and the MG HS.
All market sectors drove growth, with the most important increase recorded by fleets, where volumes rose 16.9% to succeed in 174,335 units.
Private consumer demand also rose, up 8.9% to 131,000 units, while business registrations rose 28.6% to succeed in 7,552 deliveries.
The SMMT said the rise in BEV sales was driven by manufacturer discounting, an ever-increasing selection of models, and the introduction of the Electric Automotive Grant, which provided added impetus in certain segments.
ECG qualifying models, which comprise about 25% of obtainable BEVs, recorded growth in uptake that outpaced the general electric market.
On the close of the third quarter 2025’s recent automotive market is up 4.2% at 1.58 million units. Zero emission vehicles comprise greater than 22.1% of those recent cars registered thus far in 2025, and three quarters of those are within the fleet and business sectors..
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 Automotive Grant will help to interrupt down certainly 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, shall be crucial to the success of the industry and the environmental goals we share.”
The SMMT says boosting demand remains to be critical, with an ongoing gap between EV uptake and UK Government targets.
“While rising electrified vehicle volumes may help, private buyers, who account for fewer than one in 4 (24.5%) recent BEV registrations yr thus far, have to be re-energised with more confidence to modify to zero emission motoring.
“The Electric Automotive Grant may also help break down one crucial barrier to uptake – affordability. Further efforts to sustain and grow demand, matching those already made by manufacturers, may also help boost confidence, drive up volumes across the sector and deliver the fleet renewal so essential for the UK’s net zero goals.”
Just one premium brand – Volvo – featured in the highest 10 best-selling models of September. Mainstream brands similar to Kia, Ford and Nissan plus recent entrants similar to Jaecoo and BYD proved popular, particularly within the fleet sector.
In response to the SMMT’s data, Autotrader chief industrial officer Ian Plummer said the ECG has given a lift to the market.
“Since July, enquiries for brand new electric vehicles on Autotrader are up by almost 50%. For models eligible for the grant, interest has greater than doubled – well above the 25% rise for those models which don’t qualify.
“With affordability being the primary barrier to electric adoption, the Grant is making it easier for drivers to affix the electrical transition and signifies a positive trajectory of adoption,” he said.
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
