UK EV registrations ascend to new highs

One in four new cars in February was fully electric in the UK

Welcome to the latest edition of Electric Car Count, your monthly update on electric car, van, motorbike and HGV sales in the UK - and the most up-to-date, free, comprehensive and detailed publication covering the EV transition in the UK. Let’s dive in!

Here is the news

• 1 in every 4 new cars registered in February was an EV. That’s up from 18% the same time last year.

• EV 37% compared with last year - demand for EVs is growing

• Petrol and diesel sales have continued to decline, with registrations of purely petrol cars falling 34% since February 2024 [We use official DVLA classifications here, unlike certain other data providers]

ZEV mandate update

This time last year, carmakers were a fair way behind their ZEV mandate minimum compliance levels, and had to make up progress later in the year. However, as of February, the car industry is all but meeting its targets. We estimate that EV sales need to clear 22.9% for carmakers to avoid having to borrow credits or pay fines. In the year to date, EV registrations are sitting at 23%, a smidge above that level.

Impressively, carmakers such as BMW are meeting their targets without recourse to any flexibilities. BEVs are their biggest selling fuel type in 2025 so far, accounting for over a third of their new car registrations.

Volkswagen are - impressively - also ahead of their targets. As are Mercedes, rounding off a contingent of German manufacturers who are making a success of the UK’s EV targets.

You’re receiving this because you signed up to receive updates from us. Changed your mind? Not a problem, you can change your preferences or opt out of emails here.