Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 23.2% of all new car registrations in the United Kingdom in September, with just under 70,000 units sold, marking the second-highest monthly total on record, according to data from New AutoMotive.
The figures show that BEVs remain ahead of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate trajectory, with a year-to-date share of 22.16% compared with the required 21.76% once CO₂ credits are included. New AutoMotive said this indicates manufacturers are generating surplus credits, helping to keep compliance costs down.
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The surge extended beyond passenger cars. Electric van sales reached 3,996 units, the second-highest month on record, while the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market achieved a new milestone with 111 electric HGVs registered, up from the previous record of 68 in June.
Conventional fuel vehicle sales continued to fall. Diesel registrations declined by a third year-on-year to just 4% of the market, marking the weakest September in 25 years. Petrol vehicle sales also slipped, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) grew by nearly 32% year-to-date, pushing the combined plug-in market share close to one in three vehicles.
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“September’s figures show the strength and resilience of the UK’s electric vehicle market,” said Ciara Cook, Research Manager at New AutoMotive. “Cars, vans and even HGVs all posted new records – proving that electrification is no longer just a passenger car story, but a transition happening across the whole road transport sector.”
Industry figures said the strong results reflect both growing consumer confidence and improved affordability. Fiona Howarth, Founder and Director at Octopus Electric Vehicles, said, “With nearly one in four buyers now choosing electric, EVs are on the verge of overtaking petrol.”
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Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, said rising sales were supported by the expansion of the UK’s public charging network. “With nearly a quarter of total market share, it shows drivers are making the switch in record numbers,” he said.
Ginny Buckley, CEO of Electrifying.com, added that attractive leasing offers and government grants were helping drive sales. “EV sales have been boosted by deals that make switching a no-brainer,” she said, noting strong demand for Ford’s Puma Gen-E, which qualifies for the government’s Electric Car Grant.
