Electric vehicles accounted for more than one in four new car sales in Britain last month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), marking a notable shift in consumer preferences.
July sales hit a post‑pandemic high
Britons purchased 156,500 new cars in July, an increase of almost 12 percent compared with the same month a year earlier. The figure represents the strongest monthly performance since before the COVID‑19 pandemic and the eighth consecutive month of growth for the auto sector.
Among those registrations, 43,106 were fully electric, a 44.5 percent rise on a year‑earlier basis. This translates to EVs making up 27.5 percent of all new cars delivered, roughly six electric vehicles for every diesel model sold. Diesel registrations fell by nearly 18 percent to under 6,600, while petrol sales slipped 5 percent, leaving petrol cars at 62,800 units, still about two‑fifths of the total.
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Factors behind the surge
Multiple forces drove the increase. Higher fuel costs after conflict in the Middle East have pushed buyers toward lower‑running‑cost options. The government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) and ongoing manufacturer incentives have also lowered the effective price of many models. Moreover, a broader selection of lower‑cost electric cars, especially from Chinese manufacturers, has expanded the market’s appeal.
Plug‑in hybrids rose 33.6 percent and conventional hybrids grew 11.6 percent, indicating that buyers are increasingly comfortable with electrified drivetrains, even if they are not fully electric. Modern hybrids now often provide electric‑only ranges exceeding 70 miles, an attractive feature amid volatile fuel prices.
Renault’s retro‑inspired 5 hatchback emerged as the top‑selling EV, with close to 1,800 registrations.
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“The new car market looks well on course for its best year since 2019 as strong competition between manufacturers improves affordability and draws consumers back into the market,” said Ian Plummer, chief customer officer at Auto Trader.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, called the latest figures a “great achievement” that reflects the industry’s huge investment in zero‑emission mobility. He cautioned, however, that manufacturers cannot continue funding demand through costly incentives and urged the government to “urgently reform regulations” to keep UK car manufacturing competitive.
While the surge is encouraging, the industry remains short of the government’s target of a 33 percent market share for electric vehicles by 2026. The current 27.5 percent share suggests a gap that will require sustained policy support and continued investment in charging infrastructure.
