Busiest February for new cars since 2004 but EV demand idles
The UK new car market rose by 7.2% in February to 90,100 registrations, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The growth brings the highest February volume in 22 years, although the month is conventionally lower volume and therefore more volatile, with many buyers preferring to wait for the March number plate change.
Demand was largely driven by recovering private retail registrations, up 17.6% to 35,227 units, while fleet uptake grew by 1.8% and the lower-volume business segment declined by -12.7%. Fleets remained the largest source of new car registrations, accounting for 59.4% of the market.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake rose 2.8% to 21,840 units, representing 24.2% of the market. February was, however, the second consecutive month of decline in BEV market share compared with the same period last year – a dip that partly reflects a strong start to 2025, when new BEV buyers sought to avoid April’s introduction of new tax rates, and comes after a strong push at the end last year to comply with the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate. February’s lower overall volumes can also exaggerate change.
Meanwhile, plug-in hybrids attracted the largest growth in demand, up 43.5% to claim an 11.6% market share, while hybrid electric registrations rose 3.3% to a 13.1% share. Petrol demand also grew, by 5.2% but share slipped to 46.5%, while diesel volumes continued to decline, down -3.8% to just 4.5% of the market.
With year-to-date BEV market share at 22.0%, two thirds of the 33% share mandated for 2026, March is set to be a pivotal month. Manufacturers have already invested billions in new models and discounts to drive demand, now with support from government’s Electric Car Grant, but circumstances have changed beyond expectation since the regulation was set. A holistic review of the transition is needed – and must be completed urgently as buyer confidence is anticipated to be weakened further amid plans to introduce a pay per mile tax for EVs (eVED) from 2028.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive,said, “The UK’s new car market is continuing to recover and EV volumes are growing too, even if market share remains disappointing. All eyes are now on ‘new plate’ March, which typically sets the tone for the year – and given sales of new pure petrol and diesel cars are currently required to end in less than four years, EV uptake must accelerate rapidly. Manufacturers have committed monumental investment to drive demand but such costs cannot be sustained indefinitely, making a review of the transition an urgent priority to ensure ambition matches natural demand.”
