In a significant milestone for the automotive industry, over 25% of new cars sold in the UK last month were fully electric, marking a continued surge in zero-emission vehicle registrations.

According to data released on Thursday, battery electric vehicle sales constituted 25.1% of the overall market in November, representing the fourth month in a row that electric cars made up more than 20% of new car sales.

During the same period, petrol car sales dropped to 46% of the market, while diesel vehicles accounted for a mere 6%. The remainder of the market consists of hybrids and plug-in hybrids, which together with pre-electric vehicles, total 48% of all car sales.

The only time that electric vehicle sales surpassed this proportion was in December 2022, when the market saw a significant influx of Tesla vehicles.

The latest statistics suggest that the controversial zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which penalizes manufacturers that do not meet a threshold of 22% electric vehicle sales, is beginning to show its effect.

The record number of electric car sales not only reflects a pivotal moment for the UK automotive market, but also occurs as several automakers—most notably Ford, and Stellantis (the parent company of Vauxhall and Peugeot)—call for the government to ease or revise the ZEV mandate introduced by the previous Conservative administration.

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) highlights that while electric vehicle sales are on the rise, this growth is set against a backdrop of an overall market contraction of 2% year-on-year. For the first eleven months of the year, electric car sales accounted for less than 19% of the market.

In November alone, battery electric car sales surged by 58% year-on-year, with 38,500 units sold. Cumulatively, sales for the first eleven months reached 338,000—a year-on-year increase of 18% compared to the same timeframe in 2023.

Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, emphasized that the combination of the ZEV mandate and substantial tax incentives through company car and salary sacrifice schemes has been effective in boosting sales.

“This blend of ambitious targets and incentives positions the UK toward achieving greater energy independence and more affordable, sustainable transportation,” he stated. “Thanks to investments from automakers, British consumers now have access to a wider range of electric vehicles at competitive price points.” 

However, he cautioned the government against loosening the ZEV mandate, arguing that it would undermine progress. “As global electric car sales fluctuate, the UK’s car market is moving in one direction. Policymakers must not jeopardize this momentum while reassessing EV legislation in the UK,” he added.

Fiona Howarth, CEO of Octopus Electric Vehicles, which provides zero-emission cars for businesses and employee schemes, remarked that the data clearly indicates an increase in electric vehicle sales, with most manufacturers successfully transitioning to electric models.

“The ZEV mandate is functioning as intended, providing affordability and choices for consumers, along with significant private investment in public charging infrastructure. With consistent policies, the UK can emerge as a frontrunner in the electric vehicle sector,” she noted.

Mike Hawes, CEO of the SMMT, commented that while achieving record electric sales is noteworthy, it has largely been facilitated by substantial discounts from automakers.

“Manufacturers are making unprecedented investments to introduce new zero-emission models and are offering substantial incentives,” he explained. “However, such incentives may not be sustainable long term. It is imperative for the government to reevaluate market regulations and identify the necessary support to maintain this momentum.”