UK new car sales rise 14% in September as EVs hit record high

UK new car registrations climbed sharply in September, boosted by record sales of electric vehicles and solid fleet demand, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders on Monday.

New car sales rose 14% year-on-year to 312,891 units from 275,239 units a year prior, marking the strongest September performance since 2020.

Fleet sales led the increase, up 17% to 174,336 vehicles from 149,095, while private registrations rose 8.9% to 131,003 from 120,272.

Battery electric vehicles surged 30% to 72,779 units, the highest monthly total on record, accounting for 23% of all registrations.

When combined with hybrids, electrified models represented 50.8% of all new cars sold. Plug-in hybrids were the fastest-growing segment, up 57%, while hybrid electric vehicle sales increased 24%.

The SMMT attributed the record EV performance to manufacturer investment, wider model availability, and the introduction of the government's new electric car grant, which offers discounts on qualifying models.

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. The electric car grant will help to break down one of the barriers holding back more drivers from making the switch."

In August, new car registrations fell 2.0% year-on-year to 82,908 units, during what is typically the quietest month of the year.

Petrol cars remained the most popular powertrain, though their market share dropped to 45% from 50% a year earlier. Diesel vehicles continued to decline, with sales down 28% and accounting for just 4.0% of the market.

Year to date, total new car registrations are up 4.2%, with battery electric vehicles comprising 22% of the market so far in 2025.