UK New Car Registrations Hit Highest September Level Since 2017
British new car registrations rose 12.1% in September, driven by a 36.3% surge in battery electric vehicle sales.
New car registrations in the United Kingdom rose 12.1% in September to 350,518 units, the highest volume for the month since 2017. According to preliminary data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations grew 36.3% to 99,199 units, capturing 28.3% of the monthly market.
Industry growth was fueled by government grants, manufacturer discounts, and a wider availability of models. The Jaecoo 7 emerged as the overall best-selling model for September. Within the electric segment, the Tesla Model 3 led sales, followed by the Tesla Model Y and the BYD Sealion 7.
Despite the September surge, the broader annual trend remains below expectations. Electric vehicles accounted for 26.2% of total sales during the first nine months of the year. This figure falls short of the 28% target set for the previous year and remains below the 33% mandate established for 2026.
