Is Electric the Answer? How EVs Powered the UK’s Strongest September Since 2020
Britain’s new car market roared back in September, logging its strongest month since 2020 and electrification was at the heart of that surge.
Record month for electrified vehicles
-
New car registrations rose 13.7% year-on-year to reach 312,891 units.
-
For the first time, electrified vehicles (battery, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid) accounted for more than half of all new registrations in September.
-
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) alone hit a record 72,779 registrations, giving them a 23.3% share of the market.
-
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) posted the fastest growth, jumping 56.4% year-on-year to a 12.2% share.
-
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) also saw healthy gains, reaching 15.3% share.
These figures show that electric and electrified powertrains are transitioning from niche to mainstream in Britain’s car market.
Why the spike now?
Several factors are converging to tip the balance:
-
Government support returning: The reintroduction of the Electric Car Grant has helped push down upfront costs for many buyers.
-
Greater model choice and discounts: Manufacturers are promoting EVs aggressively, offering more variants and better deals to win over hesitant customers.
-
Regulatory pressure & mandates: The UK’s zero emission vehicle mandates encourage carmakers to push more electric units.
-
Market momentum & perception shift: As more people see EVs on the road and better charging infrastructure, psychological barriers to adoption are weakening.
Still, it’s not a perfect path. Tesla’s UK registrations in September were nearly flat (8,038 units), growing only 0.11%compared to a year earlier — suggesting tough competition even within the electric sector.
Challenges that remain
-
Affordability gap: Although grants help, many EVs remain out of reach for average buyers. Only a portion of EVs qualify for the subsidies.
-
Infrastructure & charging equity: While urban and highway charging is improving, those without access to home charging (e.g. flats, terraces) remain underserved.
-
Supply & delivery delays: Some models face long waiting times.
-
Residual values & resale uncertainty: The used EV market is still maturing, which can create uncertainty over long-term value.
Verdict: Yes — but with nuance
Electric is increasingly becoming the answer, but it’s not an overnight switch. The September data shows the shift gaining critical mass — BEVs and PHEVs are no longer fringe options. However, a full transition depends on policymakers, manufacturers, infrastructure providers and buyers all adapting.
For Players Cars and our clients, this underscores the importance of being ready. Whether in the new-car lease space or used stock, having strong electric options, sensible support plans, and clarity about costs will be key.
Let me know if you’d like a version of this tailored as a website blog or client newsletter, with visuals and a “what this means for you” section.