EVs make up one in four car sales as UK market slumps
March 05, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
EV sales in the UK surged by a huge 41.7% last month compared to February 2024, despite an overall new car market decline.
A grand total of 21,444 new EVs were registered in the UK last month, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
This significant growth is attributed with drivers rushing to buy electric cars to avoid being hit by incoming changes to their car tax.
From 1 April, drivers of EVs will have to pay vehicle excise duty (VED) for the first time, at a flat rate of £195 per year.
Those driving new EVs that cost over £40,000 will also need to pay the expensive car supplement (ECS), adding an extra £2,125 over six years of the car’s life.
SMMT, chief executive Mike Hawes, said: “With the 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.”
February car registration by fuel
| 2025 | 2024 | % Change | Market Share ’25 | Market Share ’24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEV | 21,244 | 14,991 | 41.7% | 25.3% | 17.7% |
| PHEV | 7,273 | 6,098 | 19.3% | 8.7% | 7.2% |
| HEV | 11,431 | 10,591 | 7.9% | 13.6% | 12.5% |
| Petrol | 39,865 | 48,211 | -17.3% | 47.4% | 56.8% |
| Diesel | 4,241 | 4,995 | -15.1% | 5.0% | 5.9% |
| Total | 84,054 | 84,886 | -1.0% |
While it’s a great time for car dealers to sell electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid cars, sales of petrol and diesel cars have dropped.
A total of 39,865 petrols (down 17.3% compared with February 2024) and 4,241 diesels (down 15.1% year on year) were registered last month alone.
The significant drop of petrol car sales in particular meant the number of cars registered fell by 1% compared with a year ago, at 84,054.
February was the fifth consecutive month where the UK’s new car market has slumped, with a 4% reduction in fleet registrations – which has driven previous market growth.
A total of 29,947 cars were sold to private buyers, up 46% compared with February 2024.
February car registration by sales
| Category | 2025 | 2024 | % Change | Market Share ’25 | Market Share ’24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | 29,947 | 28,630 | 4.6% | 35.6% | 33.7% |
| Fleet | 52,541 | 54,740 | -4.0% | 62.5% | 64.5% |
| Business | 1,566 | 1,516 | 3.3% | 1.9% | 1.8% |
| Total | 84,054 | 84,886 | -1.0% |
Hawes added: “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.”
The SMMT data also revealed the top models sold last month. Taking the top spot was the Mini Cooper with 2,074 sales. Meanwhile, Tesla took silver and bronze, with 1,990 Model 3 and 1,861 Model Y’s sold.
The rest of the top 10 are:
-
- Volkswagen Golf (1,688)
- Volkswagen Tiguan (1,635)
- Nissan Juke (1,623)
- Nissan Qashqai (1,527)
- Kia Sportage (1,516)
- Volvo XC40 (1,485)
- Ford Puma (1,466)
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