By FREDA LEWIS-STEMPEL, MOTORING REPORTER
Sales of EVs reached a record high last month with Britons said to be benefiting from the Government's new discount scheme introduced to 'make it cheaper to own an electric vehicle'.
The Government launched its £650million Electric Car Grant (ECG) in July, subsidising the purchase of a new electric cars costing under £37,000 by between £1,500 and £3,750.
And with 36 models now eligible for the scheme, ministers have claimed it has already increased demand for battery-powered cars to the extent that more were registered in September than any other month on record.
Sales figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 72,779 EVs entered our roads in September - the highest volume in a single month as registrations across all fuel types soared to 312,887 units.
As well as manufacturer investment and increased model choice, the SMMT has said that the discount scheme has added 'another great reason' to choose an EV, adding that it’s 'no surprise thousands more drivers are now switching on to the benefits of going electric'.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'Our discounts have sparked a surge in electric car sales, making them cheaper and within reach of more households than ever before.
'By cutting costs for families we’re supporting industry, backing British jobs, and powering up growth — all part of delivering our Plan for Change.'
Sales figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 72,779 EVs entered our roads in September - the highest volume in a single month
Almost one in four (23.3 per cent) of all car registrations last month were EVs. This was up from one in five in September 2024 as demand grew by 29.1 per cent.
The Department for Transport (DfT) points to over 20,000 people having benefited from the grant so far.
And industry data from Auto Trader says it has helped to slash the upfront costs of EV by 14 per cent compared to petrol and diesel cars since last year - an average difference of £8,229.
Ministers suggest the grant has contributed towards producing the best new car sales performance in five years for the crucial 'new numberplate' month.
The UK new car market rose by 13.7 per cent, marking the highest September SMMT figures since 2020.
And more than half of all new vehicles registered during the 75-plate month were 'electrified', with EVs, plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids accounting for almost 51 per cent of the market.
Industry data from Auto Trader shows demand for the Ford Puma Gen-E EV (pictured) has risen by 540% since the grant was launched, with buyers taking full advantage of the maximum £3,750 grant
The SMMT says that introduction of the ECG provided 'added impetus in certain segments': Qualifying models – which comprise about 25 per cent of available BEVs – enjoyed growth in uptake that outpaced the overall electric market.
Now zero emission vehicles comprise more than one in five (22.1 per cent) new cars registered so far in 2025.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: 'Electrified vehicles are powering market growth after a sluggish summer – and with record ZEV uptake, massive industry investment is paying off, despite demand still trailing ambition.
'The Electric Car Grant will help to break down one of the barriers holding back more drivers from making the switch – and tackling remaining roadblocks, by unlocking infrastructure investment and driving down energy costs, will be crucial to the success of the industry and the environmental goals we share.'
However, the SMMT is still warning that private buyers make up fewer than one in four new BEV registrations in the year to date.
Models eligible for the ECG - including the Toyota bZ4X SUV (pictured) have seen a 118% rise in enquires and EV searches have risen almost 50% on Auto Trader since July, it said
Has the Electric Car Grant peaked interest in EV models?
Industry data from Auto Trader shows demand for the Ford Puma EV has risen by 540 per cent since the grant was launched, with buyers taking full advantage of the maximum £3,750 grant.
Models eligible under the ECG have seen a 118 per cent rise in enquires.
A recent survey commissioned by Renault also revealed 35 per cent of UK drivers said they are more inclined to make the switch as a direct result of the ECG.
Chief commercial officer at Auto Trader, Ian Plummer, said: 'Since July, enquiries for new electric vehicles on Autotrader are up by almost 50 per cent.
'For models eligible for the grant, interest has more than doubled - well above the 25 per cent rise for those models which don’t qualify.
'With affordability being the number one barrier to electric adoption, the Grant is making it easier for drivers to join the electric transition and signifies a positive trajectory of adoption.'