Electrified vehicles have delivered a record 58.4% of registrations in September with battery electric vehicles (BEV) taking 36.3% of market share – above the 33% currently mandated – according to preliminary figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The increase is 5% more than previously (28.3%) and equates to almost five new BEVs registered every minute – more than double the rate three years ago. Plug-in hybrids also grew to 17% of the market. Since 2023, the number of BEV models on the market has more than doubled, with 178 now on sale.
The UK new car market accelerated in September overall, with registrations up 12.1% to 350,518 units. Some 454,945 new BEVs have now been registered in the first nine months of the year.
The plate-change month is one of the year’s most important, typically accounting for around one in seven annual registrations. While consumer confidence has improved recently and GDP growth been more resilient than expected, the overall growth is largely being driven by intense competition.
Growth was recorded across all sales types. Fleet registrations rose 9.6% to 190,988 units, representing 54.5% of the market, while private demand increased 13.9% to 149,158 units and a 42.6% share. Registrations by the smaller business sector grew 37.6% to 10,372 units.
The news comes as the UK Government has said it will review the ZEV Mandate, with the SMMT stating that aligning “regulation more closely with market development would strengthen UK competitiveness, unlock further investment in new models and plants, support jobs and create a robust, sustainable market capable of delivering the decarbonisation the UK needs”
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“September’s record EV performance is a major achievement. Drivers are increasingly embracing the growing choice of models made available and high fuel prices are also undoubtedly giving more consumers reason to consider going electric. The industry’s commitment is clear with billions of pounds of investment in new models, new technology and incentives.
“Despite all these factors, uptake remains behind mandated targets and, whilst flexibilities help, the UK still has the world’s toughest targets and highest energy costs. The Mandate review is an opportunity to review those factors, to build on this momentum and support consumers but, in doing so, strengthen business viability and UK competitiveness.”
Shane Brennan, chief executive officer, ChargeUK said:
“These numbers are hugely positive for the entire automotive sector. September is crunch time for car registrations and consumers have spoken — high petrol and diesel prices are motivating them to choose EVs in droves. This should put paid to the idea that the government’s EV sales targets need any adjustment. If anything, once you consider the flexibilities car sellers have been given they look under ambitious.
“One flexibility that should seriously concern government however is the allowance for car sellers to overcount the emissions reduction benefits of plug-in hybrids. They have grown dramatically as importers exploit our weaker rules. It is increasingly apparent drivers and government are being mis-sold on their charging capability, carbon impact and fuel-savings. The reality is a full electric is the best choice for drivers looking for a cleaner, cheaper to run vehicle.”
Image from Green Car Guide
