The battery-electric vehicle (BEV) market share has continued to rise in July as overall registrations fell, according to fresh figures.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data showed the market falling around 5%, which was the weakest month since 2022.
But bucking the wider market performance, registrations of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) rose 33.0% and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 9.1%.
BEV market share reached 21.3%, up from 18.5% in the same month last year – although this is short of the 28% required by the ZEV Mandate.
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) transactions declined by10.0% to 18,551 units, while combined petrol and diesel deliveries fell 14.0% to 74,289 units.
Separate figures from New Automotive revealed that UK battery electric cars confirmed the 21.3% of new car sales in July, growing 11% on July 2024, continuing a run of record-breaking growth in UK EV sales.
Electric vans grew even more strongly, up 57% on last June’s figures. In addition, despite uncertainty about which electric car models would be eligible for a share of a £650m fund for electric car grants, electric car sales continued strong growth. Ford’s electric car sales growth was particularly noticeable with July battery car sales up over 400% on July 2024.
Year-to-date figures show BEVs and PHEVs showing strong growth and increasing their market share compared to the previous year.
Petrol and diesel registrations have fallen, with both seeing their market share shrink at more than 26% and 12% respectively. Overall, the total car market has seen a marginal decrease in registrations so far this year of just 1%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“July’s dip shows yet again the new car market’s sensitivity to external factors, and the pressing need for consumer certainty. 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.”
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, said:
“British motorists are charged up and ready to go – they’re switching to electric cars in record numbers in 2025.
“That’s great news for the tens of thousands of households who will save up to £1,500 a year on fuel costs, vastly reducing their spending on energy.
“This is the result of smart government policy in the form of ambitious targets and now a generous grant scheme which sends a clear message to investors that Britain is full square behind the EV transition.”
Image from Shutterstock
