Electric vehicle (EV) sales in the UK continued to surge in April, with battery electric cars claiming more than one in five new registrations, even as petrol and diesel car sales sharply declined — a development hailed by campaigners as a “clear signal” of public support for the shift to cleaner transport.
According to the latest Electric Car Count from New AutoMotive, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales rose by nearly 7% year-on-year, capturing a 20.4% market share. In total, 24,757 electric cars, 1,655 vans, 230 motorbikes, and 16 electric HGVs were registered in April.
Despite economic headwinds and uncertainty caused by shifting government policy and global tariffs, BEV sales remain 31.6% higher than during the same period in 2024 — a strong signal of consumer confidence in the EV market.
“In a week dominated by anti-net-zero press narratives and criticism of renewables by both Reform and the Conservatives, the stellar rise in EV sales in April suggests that on the ground, consumers are listening to a different narrative,” said Quentin Willson, founder of campaign group FairCharge.
In contrast, demand for new petrol vehicles fell below 30%, reflecting a major shift in buyer behaviour. Hybrid vehicles led the market, accounting for nearly a third of all new registrations, underlining the increasing appetite for low-emission alternatives.
The shift comes against the backdrop of changing Government incentives, evolving emissions policies, and Donald Trump’s sweeping global auto tariffs, which have disrupted supply chains and increased uncertainty in international vehicle markets.
The growth in EV sales is particularly striking given the current political climate, where net-zero scepticism and criticism of renewable investment have featured heavily in public discourse. Yet, the data suggests that British drivers are pressing ahead, embracing electrification in greater numbers regardless of political headwinds.
“Consumers are making informed choices — they want cheaper-to-run, cleaner, and future-proof cars,” said one industry analyst. “And they’re increasingly putting their money where their mouth is.”
The surge in EV uptake is also supported by improving infrastructure and wider model availability. Automakers and retailers have reported growing demand for affordable electric models, especially among fleet buyers and urban drivers.
With BEV market share now routinely above 20% and hybrid vehicles continuing to rise, the UK’s transport transition appears to be accelerating, despite ongoing challenges. However, campaigners warn that maintaining momentum will require continued investment in charging infrastructure, clear long-term policy, and consumer incentives.
The April figures come as the government prepares for a critical summer policy window, including energy and emissions announcements — and a likely general election campaign where net-zero and transport will be key battlegrounds.
For now, British drivers appear to have made up their minds: the future is electric — and it’s already arriving.
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British drivers send ‘clear signal’ in supporting electric cars as petrol and diesel sales nosedive
