New figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have shown that battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in the UK climbed 9.1% in July, despite a broader decline in new car registrations.
The overall market saw registrations fall by -5.0% to 140,154 units, marking the weakest July performance since 2022 and sitting -10.8% below the same month in 2019.
Demand fell among both private and fleet buyers, down -3.2% and -6.5% respectively, while the smaller business sector saw growth of 10.4%.
The growth in BEV registrations, though positive, slowed compared to the 34.6% rise seen in the first half of 2025, making July the second weakest month of BEV growth this year after April.
BEVs now account for 21.3% of the new car market – up from 18.5% a year ago – but still short of the 28% required by the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate.
The SMMT attributed the deceleration in part to uncertainty surrounding the newly announced Electric Car Grant (ECG).
While the ECG promises a discount of up to £3,750, full model eligibility has yet to be confirmed, which is reportedly causing some consumers to delay purchases.
“July’s dip shows yet again the new car market’s sensitivity to external factors, and the pressing need for consumer certainty,” SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said.
“Confirming which models qualify for the new EV grant, alongside compelling manufacturer discounts on a huge choice of exciting new vehicles, should send a strong signal to buyers that now is the time to switch.
“That would mean increased demand for the rest of this year and into next, which is good news for the industry, car buyers and our environmental ambitions.”
Despite July’s slump, the market remains up 2.4% year-to-date, with total registrations at 1.18m units – including over 250,000 BEVs. The full-year outlook has been revised upward to 1.9m units, with BEVs projected to take a 23.8% share.
This series covers the developing electric vehicles market of the UK and its increasing infrastructure, as the nation advances its net-zero goals.
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