Record number of battery electric vehicles registered in September

September was the best month on record for battery electric vehicle (BEV) volumes, with 72,779 registered, accounting for 23.3% of the market, according to the SMMT.

The SMMT says manufacturer discounting, an ever-increasing choice of models, and the introduction of the Electric Car Grant have played their part.

More than half (50.8%) of all new vehicles registered during September were electrified (PHEVs, hybrids and BEVS). Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) were the fastest growing powertrain, rising 56.4% to achieve a 12.2% market share, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) comprised 15.3% of deliveries. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake grew by 29.1%, on par with the growth seen so far this year. 

Zero emission vehicles comprise more than one in five (22.1%) new cars registered so far in 2025.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "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."