Electric Car Sales Soar, Highlighting Shift Away from Petrol and Diesel
Electric car sales reached another record high in February, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounting for over a quarter of new car registrations. This surge in demand has prompted experts to call for sustained government policies encouraging the transition to electric vehicles and the phasing out of petrol and diesel cars.
According to recent data from New AutoMotive, BEV sales increased by 37.4% year-on-year, representing 25.6% of the total market share. In February 2025, a total of 20,659 electric cars were sold, accompanied by over 1,400 zero-emission vans, motorbikes, and heavy goods vehicles. Brands such as Volkswagen, Peugeot, Mini, and Renault experienced triple-digit percentage increases in EV sales compared to February 2024, reflecting the growing appetite for electric vehicles.
BMW has recorded strong electric car sales, having sold more zero emission vehicles than any other fuel type in a clear shift away from petrol and diesel.
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, emphasized that motorists are “voting with their feet,” highlighting increased confidence in electric vehicles. “The latest figures show that the UK’s policies to encourage electric vehicle adoption are working,” Nelmes stated. “Ministers should stay the course and give businesses and consumers the certainty they need to invest in an electric future.”
James Court, public policy director at Octopus Electric Vehicles, echoed this sentiment, noting the positive impact of the technology and cost savings for consumers. “The UK must double down now and stick with coherent, consistent, policy that positions us as a world leader for cleaner, more affordable, driving,” Court urged.
Further analysis indicates that the UK is on track to meet its targets set by the ZEV mandate.
Registrations of new petrol vehicles continue to decline, experiencing a 34.5% year-on-year drop, while diesel sales also remain in decline, with a 13.2% decrease.
Quentin Willson, founder of FairCharge and an advisory board member at EVUK, pointed out that the combined sales of EVs and hybrids almost doubled those of petrol vehicles, demonstrating “a clear change in buying behaviours towards hybrid and EV power trains and away from combustion.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced that the government is currently reviewing feedback from the recent ZEV mandate consultation, which is expected to shape future policies and provide clarity for both manufacturers and drivers.
