Overview
- SMMT data show 2.02 million new cars were registered in 2025, with battery‑electric models reaching 32.3% of December sales and 23.4% across the year, totaling about 473,000 vehicles.
- The government’s ZEV mandate threshold of 28% for 2025 was met only in December, and the 2026 target rises to 33%, increasing pressure on manufacturers.
- Automakers spent roughly £5.5 billion on incentives last year, averaging about £11,000 per EV, as industry leaders warned such heavy discounting is not sustainable.
- Despite strong new‑sale momentum, BEVs account for about 4% of cars on UK roads versus 32% diesel and 58% petrol, with diesel cars down to 9.9 million from a 12.4 million peak and new diesel registrations barely above 5% of the market.
- New AutoMotive projects battery‑electric cars will outnumber diesels on Great Britain’s roads by 2030, with London likely first to go diesel‑free due to Ulez, while diesel vans have risen to a record 4.4 million, showing slower progress in that segment.