The UK new car market saw strong growth in September, with registrations rising by 13.7% to 312,891 units compared with the same month in 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
All market sectors contributed to the increase, with fleet registrations showing the biggest growth, up 16.9% to 174,336 units. Private consumer demand also increased, rising 8.9% to 131,003 units, while business registrations grew 28.6% to reach 7,552 vehicles.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) recorded their highest-ever monthly total, with 72,779 new registrations – a 29.1% rise on last year. BEVs accounted for 23.3% of the market, up from 20.5% in September 2024. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) registrations also surged by 56.4% to 38,308 units, taking a 12.2% market share, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) increased by 23.5% to 47,885 units.
In contrast, petrol and diesel cars saw reduced market shares. Petrol vehicles grew modestly by 2.4% to 141,310 units but fell from 50.1% to 45.2% of the market. Diesel registrations dropped 28.2% to 12,609 units, representing just 4% of new car sales.
The SMMT said the figures underline the increasing consumer and fleet interest in electrified vehicles but highlighted the need for continued investment in charging infrastructure to sustain growth.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “A record September for electric vehicles shows how quickly the market is changing, with drivers responding to a growing choice of models and improving technology. However, if this transition is to continue at pace, we need public charging to keep up with demand and ensure that no driver is left behind.”
He added that maintaining momentum would require policy consistency and incentives to support private buyers as well as fleets. “Manufacturers are investing billions in new technology, but the benefits will only be realised if consumers have the confidence to make the switch,” Hawes said.
[Image credit: SMMT]
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