Record number of UK EV sales as 20,000 use government grant

A record number of new EVs were sold in the UK in September – and the government has claimed victory via its new Electric Car Grant (ECG).

During ‘new numberplate’ month, 72,779 new EVs left forecourts, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows. The only powertrain with more sales was petrol (141,308, up 2.4%).

This is the powertrain’s highest ever monthly volume and drove its overall market share to 22.1% – which, while up 4.3% year on year, is still below the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate’s 28% target for 2025.

Both the SMMT and the government attributed the rise in EV sales last month to the ECG. Launched in August, the new initiative, backed by a £650 million fund, offers either £1500 or £3750 off the price of a new EV. 

Which grant an EV receives is based on a set environmental and sustainability impact criteria. So far, of the 36 eligible models, just the Ford E-Tourneo Courier and Ford Puma Gen-E have qualified for the upper discount.

The government says some 20,000 buyers have bought an EV through the scheme so far. Indeed, during September, EV sales rose 29.1% when compared with September 2024 (56,387).

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Our discounts have sparked a surge in electric car sales, making them cheaper and within reach of more households than ever before.”

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes agreed, saying: “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.”

In total, buyers bought 312,887 new cars in September, up 13.7% on 2024. The main driver of growth was again from fleets, which recorded a 16.9% year-on-year increase to 174,335 sales. Private demand was likewise up 8.9% to 131,000.

Plug-in hybrids recorded the biggest gains, up 56.4% year on year to 38,308, while mild hybrids grew 23.5% to 47,883. Diesel sales continue to drop, down 28.2% to 12,609.

‘New numberplate month’ typically accounts for around one in seven annual registrations, the SMMT said, so is a crucial month for car makers.