One in four cars registered in February 2025 was an electric vehicle (EV), according to new separate sets of figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and New AutoMotive.
The data from New AutoMotive found battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were 25.7% of the market share in February, which is just below the mandated ZEV level of 28%.
Separate but similar figures by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reflected the findings, and found that electrified vehicle uptake also continued to grow, with plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) rising 19.3% and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) up 7.9%. BEV registrations were up by 41.7% to 21,244 units, securing a 25.3% market share compared with 17.7% a year ago.
Next month is likely to see a further surge in EV uptake, according to the SMMT, as buyers capitalise on the new 2025 plate, and take their last chance to avoid the ECS, which from 1 April will add £2,125 over six years to the cost of BEVs, with a list price above £40,000.
The New AutoMotive also figures found volumes of petrol were below even pandemic levels, with 31% of the market to-date for 2025, and continuing to decline at only 29.2% last month.
But the figures also showed that the ZEV mandate targets have already been met for 2025, over the past 7 months, due to surplus credits from the CO2 scheme for ICE car sales being taken into account – meaning manufacturers have complied 10 months early with standards. In all, petrol vehicles have declined by 34% since this time last year.
Tesla sales have also bounced back from falling, with sales up 8% on the same period last year, yet traditional OEMs have also performed well in the category, including BMW, Seat brand Cupra, Citroen, Ford, Mercedes, Mini, Renault, Skoda, Volvo and VW. Only five of the top 25 EV brands saw registrations fall, including Audi, Volvo, MG and Toyota and Nissan.
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.”
Responding to the registrations data, Vicky Edmonds, Chief Executive of EVA England, said:
“We’re seeing a really strong performance from the EV market this year that is bucking perceptions and the trend of falling petrol and diesel sales. Yesterday saw two significant milestones reached: across new car sales, 1 in 4 drivers are now choosing EV, and we have over 75 000 public chargepoints across the UK. This shows that consumers are responding well to competitive EV prices and a charging network that is constantly improving.
“The priority now is for every driver to have the opportunity to consider an EV next. This means ensuring EVs are truly affordable for lower income households, and a charging network that is fully accessible and affordable for all drivers.”
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) said:
“BEVs are maintaining their strong momentum in 2025, securing a market share of 22.8% year-to-date, slightly below the ZEV mandate quota of 28% for the year.
“Last month, NFDA submitted its response to the Government consultation on proposals to support the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles. A key focus of NFDA’s response is the urgent need for incentives, emphasising that stimulating consumer demand is crucial for driving market growth.
“Looking ahead, next month’s figures will see the added impetus of March being a plate change month, which should provide a boost to the market.
“Dealerships are well-prepared for this rapidly changing landscape, and it is important to note that next month will bring several changes, including EVs becoming subject to Vehicle Excise Duty.”
Image from Shutterstock
