UK Electric Vehicle Sales Surge 41% Despite Overall Car Market Decline
Electric vehicle sales in the UK surged 41.7% in February 2025, accounting for one-quarter of all new car registrations despite an 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 surge in EV sales is largely attributed to buyers rushing to avoid upcoming tax changes. Starting April 1st, EV owners will face:
- A first-time vehicle excise duty (VED) of £195 per year
- An additional expensive car supplement (ECS) of £2,125 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%)
Top-Selling Models in February:
- 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 February shows positive EV adoption, the upcoming tax changes may negatively impact future EV purchases. The market has experienced its fifth consecutive month of decline, with a 4% reduction in fleet registrations, though private buyer sales increased by 46% compared to February 2024.
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