UK new car registrations rose 13.7 per cent in September with EVs and hybrids driving record market growth, figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal.
All market sectors experienced growth, with the biggest increase recorded by fleets, where volumes rose 16.9 per cent to reach 174,336 units. Private consumer demand rose 8.9 per cent to 131,003 units, while business registrations rose 28.6 per cent to reach 7,552 deliveries.
In total, 50.8 per cent of all new vehicles registered during the month were electrified. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) were the fastest growing powertrain, rising 56.4 per cent to achieve a 12.2 per cent market share, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) comprised 15.3 per cent of deliveries.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake grew by 29.1 per cent to 72,779 registrations, making September 2025 the best month on record for BEV volumes, accounting for 23.3 per cent of the market. SMMT said this was driven by manufacturer discounting, choice of models, and the introduction of the Electric Car Grant, which provided added impetus in certain segments. Qualifying models – which comprise about 25 per cent of available BEVs – enjoyed growth in uptake that outpaced the overall electric market.
Overall demand year-to-date is up 4.2 per cent, with zero emission vehicles comprising 22.1 per cent of new cars registered so far in 2025.
In a statement, 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.”
The Ford Puma is top of the chart with 41,531 registrations so far in 2025, followed by the Kia Sportage (38,734) and Nissan Qashqai (32,789).
