UK on track to become world's fourth largest EV market as global sales surge

New data shows the United Kingdom is experiencing an exceptional boost in electric vehicle (EV) sales, positioning it to become the fourth largest EV market globally.

In September alone, the UK recorded over 10,000 more EV sales compared with the same month last year, according to New AutoMotive’s Global Electric Vehicle Tracker (GEVT).

Global EV sales reached 1.05 million units in September, representing 18.6% of the market share. The US notably outpaced Europe in quarterly EV sales for the first time, with a Q3 total of 344,000 units sold, underscoring a rapid shift to EV adoption in North America.

European countries, however, continue to show robust growth in EV sales, with markets like Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Norway, and Portugal reporting year-over-year increases of over 30% for September, and sales in Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, and Spain jumping by 50% compared to the previous year.

Germany, navigating the impact of subsidy reductions from earlier this year, still managed a modest 8.7% year-over-year increase.

The UK is fast becoming a leader in Europe’s EV market, alongside key players like Germany and France. Tesla leads the European market with sales over 50% higher than its nearest competitors, BMW and Volkswagen, in the 12 months to September.

Meanwhile, in China, the world’s largest EV market, BYD nearly doubled Tesla’s sales in the past year. The transition to EVs in China has corresponded with a sharp decline in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales, which fell by 18% year-over-year in September, bringing ICE vehicles’ market share to a historic low of 54%.

Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, said: “Sales of EVs continue to grow globally as governments around the world continue to encourage the uptake of cleaner transport by ratcheting up the ambitions of their EV policies. 

“But Europe risks falling behind in the global race to electrify transport as sales growth lags behind the US, and European policymakers contemplate calls to abandon long-established emissions rules. 

“Abrupt cuts to incentives and the introduction of tariffs in Europe have put a dent in Europe’s EV sales growth, but they will not stand in the way of the inevitable rise of this technology and the promise of cleaner, cheaper transport. 

“The only question is whether Europe wants a slow and painful transition or to hold course and attract jobs, growth and investment in new clean vehicle manufacturing, and cheaper transport for all.”

New AutoMotive’s monthly tracker analyses progress in the global phase out of sales of diesel and petrol vehicles. The platform covers car sales, targets, incentives, and regulations in 42 major automotive markets - nearly 85% of the world’s new car sales.