Quick Highlights:Record BEV Sales: September 2025 saw 72,779 BEVs registered in the UK, up 29% YoY, the highest monthly volume on record.Market Share Growth: BEVs captured 23.3% of the new car market, contributing to the strongest September sales since 2020.Boost from Incentives: Manufacturer discounting, wider model choice, and the new Electric Car Grant accelerated BEV demand.Electrification Milestone: More than half of all new cars sold in September (50.8%) were electrified, with BEVs leading the shift.UK BEV Sales Surge to Record High in September 2025September 2025 marked a historic milestone for the UK electric car market, with battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations reaching their highest-ever monthly volume. According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 72,779 BEVs were delivered, representing a sharp 29% year-on-year increase compared to 56,387 units in September 2024.BEVs captured 23.3% of the total new car market, which recorded 312,887 registrations overall. This performance not only made September 2025 the strongest month on record for BEV volumes but also the best September for overall car sales since 2020.Factors Driving BEV DemandThe surge in BEV uptake has been attributed to several converging factors. Manufacturer discounting and an ever-expanding model line-up have made electric cars more appealing to buyers across different segments. However, the newly introduced Electric Car Grant provided a critical boost. Around a quarter of BEV models qualified for the scheme, and those models saw faster-than-average growth compared to the broader electric vehicle market.This combination of incentives and competitive pricing is proving effective in breaking down cost barriers, one of the most significant hurdles for consumers considering a switch to zero-emission vehicles.BEVs Leading UK Electrification TrendWhile plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) also posted strong growth, BEVs remain the clear driver of the UK’s transition to electrification. Overall, 158,970 electrified cars – including BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs – were registered in September, up 33% year-on-year and making up 50.8% of the market . PHEVs rose 56.4% to 38,308 units, while HEVs delivered 47,883 units, accounting for 12.2% and 15.3% of the market respectively.However, BEVs outpaced all other powertrains in terms of scale, reinforcing their role as the cornerstone of the UK’s zero-emission mobility future. So far in 2025, BEVs represent more than one in five (22.1%) of all new car registrations.Industry ReactionCommenting on the record-breaking figures, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of SMMT, said:“Electrified vehicles are powering market growth after a sluggish summer – and with record ZEV uptake, massive industry investment is paying off, despite demand still trailing ambition. The Electric Car Grant will help to break down one of the barriers holding back more drivers from making the switch – and tackling remaining roadblocks, by unlocking infrastructure investment and driving down energy costs, will be crucial to the success of the industry and the environmental goals we share.”Outlook for the UK BEV MarketSeptember is traditionally one of the UK’s strongest months for car registrations, often accounting for one in seven annual sales. The performance in September 2025 underscores both the resilience of the UK automotive sector and the growing consumer appetite for BEVs. With the right balance of incentives, investment in charging infrastructure, and expanded model availability, the UK appears well on track to accelerate its transition toward zero-emission transport.The record-breaking month highlights the central role of BEVs in driving electrification and achieving the UK’s environmental and industry growth targets.