New car sales spike as EV demand rises

The UK new car market grew 21% in September with 272,610 registrations in the month.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this is the 14th consecutive month of growth.

Sales were driven by large fleets, which rose 40.8% to 143,256 units, while private consumer demand grew 5.8% to 122,944 units.

Electrified vehicle uptake also continued to grow in the month, with plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) up 50.9% to take a 6.8% market share and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) up 30.7% to account for 13.9% of all registrations.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), meanwhile, recorded their 41st consecutive month of growth, with 45,323 units sold, which represents an 18.9% uplift.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “A bumper September means the new car market remains strong despite economic challenges. However, with tougher EV targets for manufacturers coming into force next year, we need to accelerate the transition, encouraging all motorists to make the switch.

“This means adding carrots to the stick – creating private purchase incentives aligned with business benefits, equalising on-street charging VAT with off-street domestic rates and mandating chargepoint rollout in line with how electric vehicle sales are now to be dictated. The forthcoming Autumn Statement is the perfect opportunity to create the conditions that will deliver the zero emission mobility essential to our shared net zero ambition.”