Rocketing fuel prices have driven a surge in sales of electric cars, according to industry data. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that March recorded the highest number of new car registrations since 2019, a total of 380,627 vehicles, marking a 6.6% increase from the previous year.
The boost in sales was primarily fueled by electrified vehicles, which reached a record high of 196,059 units. Notably, battery electric cars saw a significant 24% surge in sales, totaling 86,120 registrations in March. The top-selling model for the month was the Jaecoo 7, a Chinese-made vehicle, leading the market for the first time.
Jaecoo, which entered the UK market in February 2025, experienced a remarkable 570% sales increase year-on-year in March, outselling established brands like Volvo and Tesla. This marked the first instance since January 2023 that a Chinese-made model topped the UK sales charts.
While plug-in hybrid car sales rose by 46.9% and demand for hybrid electric vehicles increased by 7.3%, traditional petrol and diesel car sales continued to decline. The ongoing surge in petrol and diesel prices due to the Middle East crisis has further accelerated the shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles.
Despite the growing popularity of electric cars, there are concerns about meeting the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate targets. Industry experts emphasize the need for a sustainable market transition to achieve long-term growth and support the UK’s net zero ambitions.
As the market dynamics evolve, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly appealing to consumers looking to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs. However, challenges related to electricity charging costs and affordability remain key considerations for prospective buyers. The industry continues to advocate for policies and incentives that encourage the adoption of electric vehicles to drive towards a greener automotive landscape.