The UK's Electric Car Revolution
A Visual Guide to the 2025 EV Market
EVs on UK Roads
1.5M+
The number of plug-in vehicles has surpassed 1.5 million, marking a significant and accelerating shift.
Annual BEV Registrations (2021-2025)
This chart shows the steep upward trajectory of new Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sales, with 2025 on track to set another record.
The 2025 New Car Fuel Mix (YTD)
While petrol cars still lead, electric vehicles now represent a significant and growing slice of the new car market. The decline of diesel continues as consumers increasingly opt for electric and hybrid alternatives.
New Car Market Share by Fuel Type
Key Takeaways
In 2025, electrified vehicles account for nearly half the market, signaling a definitive powertrain shift.
- ⚡21.3% of new cars were pure Battery Electric (BEV).
- 🔌12.5% were Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV), showing strong growth.
- ⛽47.3% of the market remains Petrol-powered.
- 📉Diesel's share has fallen to just 5.2%.
Leading the Charge: The UK's Favourite EVs
Certain models have captured the attention of UK buyers, consistently topping the sales charts. This ranking reveals the most popular electric cars based on recent full-year sales data.
Top 5 Best-Selling BEV Models (2024)
Powering Up Britain: The Charging Network
A robust charging network is critical for EV adoption. The UK has seen explosive growth in public chargers, especially high-speed units that make long-distance travel viable and convenient.
Growth of Public Chargers by Speed
The network has grown to over 82,000 public devices by mid-2025, with a dramatic rise in ultra-rapid chargers.
The Regional Divide
Access to public charging is not uniform. London has a significantly higher density of chargers per 100k people.
The Driver's Seat: Hurdles & Helps
For many drivers, the decision to switch is balanced between persistent concerns and new incentives designed to make going electric easier and more affordable than ever.
Top Consumer Concerns
- 💰Upfront Cost: The initial purchase price remains the biggest barrier for many potential buyers.
- 🔌Charging Access: "Charging anxiety" – the fear of finding a working public charger – is a key concern.
- 🔋Battery Lifespan: Worries about degradation and the potential high cost of replacement are common.
- 🔧Service & Software: Issues with software glitches and customer service have emerged as a frustration.
Government & Industry Support
- 🏷️New Electric Car Grant: A new grant offers up to £3,750 off new EVs under £37,000 to make them more affordable.
- 🏠Home & Workplace Charging Schemes: Grants are available to lower the cost of installing a home charge point.
- 📈ZEV Mandate: Rules forcing manufacturers to sell more EVs are increasing choice and driving down prices.
- ✅Improved Reliability Standards: New regulations require public charge points to meet a 99% reliability target.