The sale of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK continued to rise in 2025, with nearly one in four cars sold being battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
New Automotive reports that over 477,000 BEVs were sold in 2025, capturing a 23.4% market share and marking a 21.6% increase from 2024. All types of electrified vehicles saw growth last year, while petrol and diesel sales declined. Hybrid cars (HEVs) achieved the highest market share among all vehicle types, reaching 31.99%, with more than 652,000 HEVs registered in 2025.
In total, over two million cars were registered in 2025, with electric vehicles accounting for more than half of that number.
Colin Walker, Head of Transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), stated, "As a whole, the car industry has now met its targets under the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate policy for the second year running. This policy in turn will boost the UK’s second-hand market where the majority of us buy our cars, easing cost of living concerns for drivers."
In December 2025, BEVs were the top-selling car type, with 46,112 units registered, followed by HEVs at 40,370 units. BEVs held a 32.7% market share for the month, aligning with the UK government’s zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate and the 2026 target of 33%.
All electric vehicle types experienced year-on-year growth, while internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles declined.
Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, commented, "It's been another strong year for EVs as nearly 1 in 4 went full electric, and over a third in December alone. This shows that confidence is growing and support measures are working. It is crucial now that we build on this progress and ensure all drivers are properly supported to make the switch. This can be done by expanding reliable, affordable and accessible charging, supporting the used EV market, and ensuring incentives reach everyday drivers."
SMMT data closely matches BEV figures, with 473,000 vehicles registered in 2025 - more than the combined total for 2021 and 2022. However, SMMT and New Automotive report different numbers for hybrid vehicles. SMMT recorded around 280,000 HEVs in 2025, while petrol cars reached 937,000. The combined total is similar to New Automotive’s figures, with differences due to varying methodologies.
“Rising EV uptake is an undoubted positive, but the pace is still too slow and the cost to industry too high. Government has stepped in with the Electric Car Grant, but a new EV tax, additional charges for EV drivers in London and costly public charging send mixed signals."
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