UK EV Registrations Hit Record Highs, Yet SMMT Warns of Shortfall Against Mandate Targets

The UK’s adoption of electric vehicles is surging, with new data showing that pure-electric cars accounted for 25.6% of all new registrations in the first eight months of 2025, and a striking 29.8% in August alone. These figures represent a historic peak for the market, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Despite the encouraging momentum, the SMMT cautions that the current pace is still insufficient to meet the government’s 33% zero-emission vehicle mandate target for the year. The gap between this record uptake and the required level underscores the ongoing pressure on manufacturers to accelerate the transition.

Electric vans have also seen improved market performance, with registrations climbing, but they too remain far from their own compliance thresholds. The SMMT emphasizes that while consumer interest is undeniably growing, more supportive measures are needed to align sales with regulatory demands.