Trystan Casey
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. In February 2025, there were over 1.4 million fully electric cars in the UK, accounting for about 4.15% of all cars on the road. This marks a significant increase from 2021, when there were only about 397,000 electric cars, representing 1.2% of the total car parc. The UK's electric vehicle fleet includes battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and extended-range electric vehicles. The growth in electric car sales can be attributed to factors such as government incentives, environmental concerns, and the declining demand for traditional petrol and diesel cars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of electric vehicles in the UK | 1.3 million (at the start of 2025) |
| Number of fully electric cars in the UK | Over 1,400,000 (as of February 2025) |
| Number of electric vans in the UK | Over 78,000 (as of February 2025) |
| Number of electric cars sold in 2024 | 314,700 (as of 2023) |
| Number of electric cars sold in February 2025 | 21,244 |
| Percentage of new cars sold in February 2025 that were electric or plug-in hybrid | 33.9% |
| Percentage of new cars sold in 2024 that were electric | 19.6% |
| Average number of new electric cars registered per month in the past 12 months | 32,555 |
| Average number of public EV chargers used per month in the UK | 2 million |
| Number of public charging devices in the UK | 64,600 (as of July 2024) |
| Number of charging locations in the UK | 33,829 (as of June 2024) |
| Number of rapid or ultra-rapid chargers in the UK | 12,551 (as of June 2024) |
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What You'll Learn
Electric car sales in the UK
In 2023, there were nearly 315,000 battery-electric cars registered, a growth of 18% from 2022. In the first quarter of 2023, used BEV sales increased by nearly 100% in the UK to over 34,000. In 2024, electric car sales continued to surge, with a record number of electric cars sold. In February 2025, 21,244 new electric cars were sold, making up 25.3% of all new car registrations.
The rise in electric car sales can be attributed to several factors, including the UK government's commitment to banning new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030 or 2035, depending on the current government. Car manufacturers are required to meet certain quotas for selling electric cars, with penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, electric cars are becoming more affordable and accessible, with an increasing number of public charging stations and advancements in charging technology, such as rapid and ultra-rapid chargers.
The shift towards electric vehicles is also driven by consumer demand and the environmental benefits associated with electric cars. Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, and in 2022, EV drivers in the UK prevented the release of 8.4 million tonnes of CO2e by choosing electric vehicles over fossil fuel-powered cars. The Tesla Model Y has been the top-selling electric car in the UK, with over 8,600 registrations between July and September 2023. However, it's worth noting that Tesla's market share is in decline, with a 8% drop in registrations in the same period compared to the previous year.
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Electric car charging points
To support this transition to electric vehicles, the UK has been developing its EV charging infrastructure. As of May 2023, there were over 43,000 charging points across more than 25,000 locations in the UK, marking a 38% increase in public EV charging devices from the previous year. This growth is set to continue, with the government's tenfold expansion strategy.
There are three main types of public charging points: rapid, fast, and slow chargers. These categories are based on power outputs, with rapid chargers being the fastest option. Rapid AC chargers have outputs of 43kW and use Type 2 connectors, while Rapid DC chargers have a minimum output of 50kW and are fitted with CCS, CHAdeMO, or Tesla Type 2 chargers. Tesla Superchargers, with 120kW output, also fall into this category. Rapid chargers can charge a car to 80% in 30 to 80 minutes. In contrast, slow chargers are typically found in locations where cars are left for extended periods, such as overnight charging spots.
The cost of recharging an EV varies depending on the car, its batteries, and the electricity supplier. Some public charging points offer subscription-based models, while others use a pay-as-you-go approach based on electricity consumption. Notably, some charging points are entirely free, especially those installed at office or supermarket car parks. Charging an EV at home is generally more cost-effective than using petrol or diesel, and it is also usually cheaper than charging at public stations.
To locate EV charging points, drivers can utilise interactive maps and route planners, such as Zap-Map, carwow, and Open Charge Map. These tools help drivers find nearby charging points, plan electric journeys, and even check real-time availability and charger functionality. Additionally, the UK government offers the Workplace Charging Scheme to encourage companies to install charging points at their bases, further improving accessibility.
The increasing availability of EV charging points, along with the growing demand for electric vehicles, signifies a shift towards sustainable transport in the UK.
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Electric van statistics
Electric vans are becoming an increasingly common sight on UK roads. As of February 2025, there were over 78,000 electric vans under 3.5 tons on the road in the UK, accounting for around 1.6% of all light commercial vehicles (LCVs). This represents a fourteen-fold increase since the end of 2020, when there were just 5,266 electric vans, or 0.12% of all vans on the road.
The growing popularity of electric vans is evident in the sales figures. In 2024, there were over 20,500 electric van registrations, the biggest annual number to date, with a further 2,593 electric vans sold in the first two months of 2025, accounting for 7.7% of all new van sales.
The increase in electric van sales is part of a broader shift towards electric vehicles in the UK. Electric car sales are now second only to petrol cars, with more than one in ten new vehicles sold in 2024 being electric-powered. As of early 2025, there are over 1.3 million fully electric cars in the UK, representing around 4.15% of all cars on the road. This marks a significant increase since the end of 2021, when there were 396,945 electric cars, or 1.2% of the total car parc.
The UK government has implemented a legal requirement for vehicle manufacturers to sell a certain proportion of new pure electric cars, starting with 22% of all new sales in 2024, gradually increasing towards 2035. This, along with growing consumer demand, is expected to drive the continued growth of the electric vehicle market in the UK.
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The most popular electric vehicles
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. As of 2025, there are over 1.3 million registered EVs in the UK, with this number predicted to grow to 7 million by 2030 and 22 million by 2040.
The UK's most popular electric vehicles include the Tesla Model Y, an electric SUV known for its spacious interior, impressive range, and fast charging times. The MG4 EV is another popular choice, offering excellent range, charging capabilities, equipment, and style. The Polestar 2, produced by Volvo Cars, is also a favourite among drivers due to its sleek design, accessibility, and seamless performance.
The Renault 5, named Car of the Year for 2025 by What Car?, boasts an impressive range of up to 253 miles on a single charge with the recommended 52kWh battery. The Dacia Spring, Renault 5, and MG4 have contributed to the growing affordability of electric cars, with their competitive pricing and impressive performance.
The Volkswagen ID.4, an electric SUV, is a popular choice for those seeking a spacious and practical option. The SKODA Enyaq iV, while not as glamorous as some of its counterparts, offers a well-built and reliable option. The BMW i4 e-Drive is also worth mentioning for its refined, comfortable, and swift driving experience.
The Volvo EX30, Lotus Eletre, and Porsche Macan Electric SUVs are notable for their ability to hold their value well over time. The BYD ATTO 3 is a newcomer to the UK market and may make its way into the top 10 in the future.
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The future of electric vehicles in the UK
The UK's electric vehicle (EV) market is growing rapidly. As of 2025, the country has over 1.3 million registered EVs, with more than 1,400,000 of those being fully electric cars. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with 396,945 electric cars on the road at the end of 2021 and over 1,145,000 by the end of June 2024. The number of electric cars is expected to continue rising, with predictions of 7 million by 2030 and 22 million by 2040.
This growth is driven by several factors, including government incentives, consumer demand, and the increasing availability of charging infrastructure. In 2024, the UK government set a target of 22% of new car sales being electric, with car manufacturers facing fines if they did not meet this quota. This target is expected to increase to 28% in 2025 and 80% by 2030. The previous Conservative government had committed to banning new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035, with the current Labour government pledging to bring this deadline forward to 2030.
The number of charging points is also increasing to meet the growing demand for EVs. As of July 2024, there were over 64,000 public charging devices available in the UK, a 46% increase from the previous year. However, the growth in EV sales has outpaced the expansion of charging infrastructure, leading to concerns about the availability of charging points. Lancashire County Council estimates that they will need eight times as many charging points by 2030 to meet the demand.
The shift towards EVs is having a positive impact on the environment. In 2022, EV drivers in the UK prevented the release of 8.4 million tonnes of CO2 by choosing electric vehicles over fossil fuel-powered cars. If all 41.4 million vehicles in the UK were electric, it is estimated that around 2.2 billion tonnes of CO2 could be saved over the vehicles' lifetimes.
The increasing popularity of EVs in the UK is also reflected in the used car market. In the third quarter of 2024, used EVs recorded their largest-ever market share, with transactions increasing by 57% from the same period in 2023. This growth is driven by factors such as the decline in diesel car sales and the availability of tax incentives for EVs.
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Frequently asked questions
As of the end of February 2025, there are over 1.4 million fully electric cars in the UK. This means that around 4.15% of the 34 million cars on UK roads are fully electric.
In 2024, there were over 1.3 million registered electric vehicles in the UK. This was an increase from 2023, where there were 1.47 million electric vehicles.
It is predicted that by 2030, there will be 7 million electric vehicles in the UK.
