EV competition spurs sales

New-car registrations in the UK jumped 12 per cent year-on-year to total 350,536 units last month, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

The result is the industry’s 10th consecutive month of growth and the strongest September since 2017, when 426,170 units were sold.

The SMMT notes overall growth is largely being driven by intense competition from new entrants and increased choice for consumers, particularly when it comes to EVs.

All sales types recorded growth in September, with fleet registrations rising 9.6 per cent to 190,998 units and 54.5 per cent of the market.

Private demand increased 13.9 per cent from the same month last year to 149,166 units and a 42.6 per cent market share, while registrations for the smaller business sector climbed 37.3 per cent to 10,372 units.

EVs took a record 58.4 per cent of last month’s registrations. Hybrids dipped 4.3 per cent but plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales surged 55.5 per cent year-on-year.

Demand for battery EVs (BEVs) rose 36.3 per cent to a record high volume of 99,201 units and a market share of 28.3 per cent.

SMMT says the number of BEV models on the market has more than doubled since 2023, with 178 now on sale. Alongside more than 110 PHEV and 50 hybrid models, the UK’s electrified offering represents more than three quarters of new cars available.

The three best-sellers last month were the Jaecoo 7 on 10,814 units, Tesla’s Model 3 with 9,929 and the Ford Puma on 6,958. Year-to-date, the Puma tops the charts with 42,926 registrations.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, adds: “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.”