UK LEADS THE WAY AS EUROPE'S LARGEST ELECTRIC VEHICLE MARKET
Why are more UK drivers choosing electric cars then ever before?
In 2024, the United Kingdom emerged as Europe's largest market for electric vehicles (EVs), marking a significant milestone in its journey toward sustainable transportation. This achievement underscores the nation's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions.
Surge in Electric Vehicle Sales
So far during 2025, total of 50,878 new fully electric cars have been sold, which is 22.8% market share of all new cars registered this year.In 2024 there were 381,970 new fully electric cars sold, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which was 19.6% market share of all new cars registered that year. More fully electric cars were sold in 2024 than any other and represented 21% more than in 2023.
In the last few years, the electric car proportion of new car sales has styled stable, but this is increasing as the impact of the ZEV mandate and growing consumer demand comes into effect. In parallel the number of new diesel cars sold has fallen significantly.
A milestone year for the UK’s electric vehicle market
2024 marked a major milestone in the UK’s shift to electric vehicles. For the first time, the UK overtook Germany to become Europe’s largest market for pure electric vehicles (BEVs) based on new registrations. According to Schmidt Automotive Research, the UK recorded 381,970 BEV registrations last year, slightly ahead of Germany’s 380,609. This achievement highlights the UK’s growing influence in the electric vehicle sector, reflecting strong consumer demand and steady industry progress.
EVs captured a quarter of the new car market in February
The UK Automotive market is transforming significantly as the shift towards electric mobility accelerates. Despite economic uncertainties, including a cost-of-living crisis and tax increases announced in the Autumn Budget, the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow.
The most recent figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show EV registrations continued to buck the overall market trend and rose by 41.7% in February 2025 even as overall registrations dropped for the fifth consecutive month, by 1%. In doing so, they secured a 25.3% market share compared with 17.7% this time in 2024.Electric car registrations
| FEBRUARY 2025 | 2024 | % CHANGE | MKT SHARE 25 | MKT 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% |
| TOTAL | 84,054 | 84,886 | -1.0% |
A Crucial Time for EV Buyers
The steady rise in EV registrations, even during the market’s slowest month, is expected to continue into March. Buyers are likely to take advantage of the new ‘25 plate and their last chance to avoid the Expensive Car Supplement (ECS), which starts on April 1st. Once in effect, the ECS will add £2,125 to the cost of an EV priced over £40,000 over six years.
Car manufacturers have already supported the switch to EVs by offering over £4.5 billion in discounts in the past year alone. Brands like Volkswagen and Renault have significantly reduced prices on new EVs in the UK. This comes on top of the billions already invested in developing and launching electric vehicles.
