Car registrations declined in August, contrasted with a rise in sales of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles (PHEV and EV).
In a surprising turn of events, electric vehicle (EV) sales in a previously quiet sales month saw a significant rise, defying expectations of a decline. This trend was observed in an earlier year, contrasting the drop in new car registrations experienced in another unspecified month.
In August 2021, however, the story was different. New car registrations plummeted by an alarming 220%, marking a stark contrast to the growth seen in EV sales. The hybrid market also took a hit, with sales falling by 13.9% and holding an 11.4% market share.
Fast forward to August 2024, and the EV market share saw a boost, with EV sales growing by over 10%. This growth propelled EVs to a 26.5% market share, a notable increase from the previous year. Interestingly, the brand with the highest new car registration sales success in the UK during this month remains unspecified in available sources. However, it's worth noting that Volkswagen led the pack in Germany in early 2025, and BYD, a Chinese brand, is steadily increasing its presence in Europe.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market, too, showed promising signs in August 2021, with PHEV registrations seeing a significant jump. PHEV sales surged by 69.4%, securing an 11.8% market share.
July of an earlier year, on the other hand, saw a decrease in EV sales despite anticipation of strong growth. Conversely, October 2024 witnessed a rise in EV sales, with a 24.5% increase and a 20.7% market share.
Interestingly, petrol sales took a hit, decreasing by 14.2%, while holding a 45.1% market share. Diesel sales also saw a drop, decreasing by 16.6% with a 5.2% share.
In terms of new car registrations, the UK saw a slight decrease in August 2025, with a 2.0% drop, and a 1.3% decrease in August 2024. However, in the traditionally buoyant sales month of August, new car registrations in an earlier year saw a rise of 1.0%.
Fleet sales accounted for nearly 60% of all registrations, while private registrations rose by a tiny 0.7%, accounting for a 39% market share. The Ford Puma was the month's best-selling car.
Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), noted that August 2021 was the best month yet this year for EV market share. This trend seems to be continuing, with the UK's car market showing a clear shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles.
Read also:
- Goodyear in 2025: Advancement in Total Mobility through the Launch of Kmax Gen-3 by Goodyear
- Electric SUV Showdown: Vinfast VF6 or MG Windsor EV - Your Choice Revealed
- United States Secures $632 Million to Fuel Electric Vehicle Revolution
- IM Motors reveals extended-range powertrain akin to installing an internal combustion engine in a Tesla Model Y
.){kind=link}