EVs account for one in four car registrations in February

The latest SMMT data shows that new battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations increased by 41.7% to 21,244 units in February, accounting for one in four new car registrations.

This means battery electric vehicles have secured a 25.3% market share compared with 17.7% a year ago.

Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) rose 19.3% and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) were up 7.9% in February 2025.

Overall, the UK new car market fell slightly in February, down -1.0% to 84,054 units.

In what is usually the smallest month of the year (accounting for only around 4% of annual volumes), February was the fifth consecutive month of decline, with a -4.0% reduction in fleet registrations – which have driven previous market growth. Private registrations rose by 4.6% to slightly increase overall market share to 35.6%, while the much smaller business sector rose by 3.3%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "Although February’s figures show a subdued overall market, the good news is that electric car uptake is increasing, albeit at huge cost to manufacturers in terms of market support. It is always dangerous, however, to draw conclusions from a single month, especially one as small and volatile as February. With the all-important March number plate change now upon us, and tax changes taking effect in April that will, perversely, dissuade EV purchases, we expect significant demand for these new products next month – but, long term, EV consumers need carrots, not ever more sticks."