Demand for electric cars is up following ‘best ever’ sales month

Almost a quarter of vehicles sold in the UK last month were battery electric (BEV) models, according to the latest figures.

Over 72,000 new BEVs were registered in September 2025, making up 23.3% of the total market, and marking a 29% rise on the 56,000 BEVs sold in September 2024. As the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says, that makes it "the best month on record for BEV volumes".

This positive news adds to the recent reduction in the cost of new electric vehicles, with several electric cars now below £20,000. That’s something that might’ve seemed unlikely even a year ago.

The SMMT says that the "ever-increasing choice of models" as well as the government's Electric Car Grant scheme, has a big part to play in the rise of new registrations, with over 20,000 consumers taking advantage of the grant since the £650m scheme was launched back in the summer. It offers discounts of up to £3,750 on 38 electric models, and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander commented:

"Our discounts have sparked a surge in electric car sales, making them cheaper and within reach of more households than ever before."

Figures also show that just over 50% of the 312,887 new vehicles registered last month were electric, when including both hybrid and battery types.

Commenting on the figures, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, said:

"Electrified vehicles are powering market growth after a sluggish summer - and with record zero emission vehicles uptake, massive industry investment is paying off”.

Our Head of EV Charging, Graeme Patton also commented:

"It’s hugely positive to see demand for electric vehicles consistently on the rise, with drivers making hundreds of pounds of yearly savings by switching to electric. As always, our focus is supporting the switch by getting more charge points in the ground, so drivers can continue to feel confident in the reliability and availability of EV chargers."

It's certainly an exciting, optimistic time as the demand for electric cars is up, and more and more drivers make the switch to electric, supported by lower prices, increased choice, and growing EV charging infrastructure.