Sales of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles have exceeded petrol-only car registrations in the UK for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition toward lower-emission transport.
New figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) together accounted for a larger share of new car registrations in June than conventional petrol-powered models.
Battery electric vehicle registrations rose 35% compared with the same month last year, reaching nearly 63,950 units and capturing 30% of the UK new car market. Plug-in hybrids recorded 26,702 registrations, an increase of 25% year-on-year, giving the segment a 12.5% market share.
Combined, the two categories represented more than 42% of all new cars sold during the month, overtaking petrol-only vehicles, which recorded 84,541 registrations and saw their market share fall below 40% for the first time, to 39.7%.
Hybrid vehicles that recharge through their engines rather than external charging accounted for 14% of registrations, while diesel continued its long-term decline, representing just 3.8% of new vehicle sales.
Overall, the UK new car market expanded by 11.4% in June, with more than 213,000 vehicles registered.
Another notable trend was the continued growth of Chinese car manufacturers in the British market. The three largest Chinese exporters collectively sold more than 30,000 vehicles during the month, giving them a combined market share of over 14%.
MG, now owned by China’s SAIC Motor, captured 4.9% of the market, outperforming several established global brands, including Toyota, Kia and Hyundai.
Chery secured a 6.4% market share through its Jaecoo and Omoda brands. The company recently announced plans to manufacture some of its vehicles at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in northeast England. BYD, China’s largest electric vehicle producer, accounted for just under 3% of total registrations.
Industry analysts said the latest figures suggest electric vehicles are becoming increasingly mainstream as prices fall and more second-hand models enter the market. However, they noted that charging infrastructure and public charging costs remain significant challenges for motorists without access to home charging.
Nick Williams, Managing Director of Transport at Lloyds Banking Group, said affordability has improved considerably over the past year.
He noted that used electric vehicles are now generally less expensive than comparable petrol models and that second-hand EV sales increased by around one-third during the first quarter of the year. According to Williams, the growing supply of used electric cars is making the technology accessible to more households.
He also pointed to changes in running costs, saying recent fluctuations in petrol prices have strengthened the financial case for electric vehicles, particularly for drivers able to charge at home under relatively stable electricity tariffs.
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