Electric Car Sales Surge 41.7% as UK Auto Market Faces Downturn
Electric vehicle sales surged 41.7% in February 2025, representing one-quarter of all UK car sales despite overall market decline. A total of 21,444 new EVs were registered last month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
EV charging at power station
The significant growth is attributed to buyers rushing to purchase EVs before new tax changes take effect. From April 1st, EV drivers will face:
- First-time vehicle excise duty (VED) of £195 per year
- Additional £2,125 expensive car supplement over six years for EVs over £40,000
February 2025 Registration Numbers:
- Electric Vehicles: 21,444 (up 41.7%)
- Petrol Vehicles: 39,865 (down 17.3%)
- Diesel Vehicles: 4,241 (down 15.1%)
- Total Registrations: 84,054 (down 1%)
Private buyer sales increased 46% compared to February 2024, with 29,947 cars sold. However, fleet registrations dropped 4%, marking the fifth consecutive month of market decline.
Top-Selling Models in February 2025:
- Mini Cooper - 2,074 units
- Tesla Model 3 - 1,990 units
- Tesla Model Y - 1,861 units
- Volkswagen Golf - 1,688 units
- Volkswagen Tiguan - 1,635 units
- Nissan Juke - 1,623 units
- Nissan Qashqai - 1,527 units
- Kia Sportage - 1,516 units
- Volvo XC40 - 1,485 units
- Ford Puma - 1,466 units
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes notes that while EV uptake is increasing, the upcoming tax changes may discourage future purchases, emphasizing the need for incentives rather than additional costs.
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