The United Kingdom’s electric vehicle transition gained significant ground in October, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) taking a record 26% of new car registrations, according to data from New AutoMotive. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) also rose to 12%, meaning 40% of all new cars registered came with a plug.
Petrol and diesel models continued to decline, with petrol sales down 25% and diesel down 17% year-on-year — their lowest market shares in years. Combined, they now represent roughly one-third of the market, underscoring how quickly UK drivers are moving away from fossil fuels.
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“In a month defined by market decline for petrol and diesel vehicles, battery electric cars have demonstrated their resilience, reaching a 2025 market share high of 26%,” said Corrin Reilly, Data Analyst at New AutoMotive. “The direction of travel is unmistakable: motorists are moving towards electric vehicles and not looking back.”
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Fiona Howarth, Director and Founder of Octopus Electric Vehicles, said: “The tide has turned — monthly figures show battery electric again outselling petrol, taking more than a quarter of the market as petrol sales fell nearly 30%. This isn’t a blip, it’s a shift. Drivers are choosing electric for value, performance, and progress, and that momentum’s only growing.”
The electric van market also strengthened, achieving a 9.7% share of new registrations, up from a year-to-date average of 9.1%. Analysts said this growth highlights continued confidence from both consumers and businesses in the shift to electric mobility.
