The number of electric cars registered last month was the highest on record, with 72,779 battery powered vehicles finding homes. Despite this high, EVs made up 23.3% of registrations against a government target of 28% for the year.
The data, compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, shows a total of 312,887 new cars were registered last month, up 13% on the same month in 2024, and the best September for the new-car market in five years.
The SMMT says this summer’s introduction of taxpayer-funded Electric Car Grant helped boost EV registrations, though only two vehicles – the Ford E-Tourneo Courier, and the Ford Puma Gen-E – qualify for the full £3,750 discount, with the 34 other cars getting the lower £1,500 band.
Pure petrol power is still the preferred propulsion method for buyers, with 45.2% opting for cars that need the green pump – though this was down from 50.1% in the same month last year.
Diesel’s death rattle continued in September, with the 4% of the market this fuel now comprises down from 6.4% in September 2024, and a shadow of the near-50% share diesel cars enjoyed when they were highly favoured by government policy in the mid-2010s.
Year-to-date registration figures stand at 1,578,168 cars, a 4% rise on this time last year, while EVs comprise 22.1% of the year’s market so far, down on the 28% legal mandate set by Westminster.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes commented: “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.”
