British drivers embrace EVs as petrol and diesel sales fall

Recent figures show British drivers are jumping ship from petrol and diesel vehicles in large numbers. According to New AutoMotive’s Electric Car Count, BEVs’ share of the UK’s auto sales grew 7 percent year-on-year in April 2025. Over 26,500 EVs were sold in the month, representing 20.4 percent market share. New EV registrations shot up by 31 percent in the same period.

Viewed against the backdrop of current political headwinds on sustainability and the global trade wars among the biggest economies, the performance is a testament to the increasing confidence of British motorists in electric mobility.

In comparison, fossil-fueled vehicles saw demand drop by almost a quarter. Their loss was the gain of hybrids, which accounted for a third of all new automobile registrations.

The electric van segment stood out in the report, posting more than 100 percent growth year-on-year to achieve a market share of 7.7 percent, even as the total van market shrank by 15 percent and diesel van sales fell by 24.5 percent. New AutoMotive ascribes the explosion in electric van popularity to business fleet operators realizing the advantages of lower operating costs, tax incentives, and the government’s extension of the plug-in van grant.

New AutoMotive says British drivers are taking note of the improving EV charging infrastructure and are attracted by the increasing variety of electric models when shopping for their next car.