February Car Sales Surge: Best Performance Since 2004 Despite Slowing EV Demand

Jordan Hartwell

Published: March 5, 2026 8:06 AM ET

February Car Sales Surge: Best Performance Since 2004 Despite Slowing EV Demand

February 2025 marked a significant month for car sales in the UK, achieving the best performance since 2004. Despite a noticeable decline in overall registrations, the month reflected a distinctive trend in the market.

Overall Market Performance

While new car registrations fell compared to the previous year, electric vehicle (EV) sales showed resilience. Notably, EV sales rose over 40% compared to February 2024, increasing their market share to above 25%.

February Sales Highlights

Overall new car registrations decreased in February 2025.
Electric vehicle market share surpassed 25%.
EV sales rose by more than 40% year-over-year.

Tesla and Electric Vehicle Trends

However, certain brands faced challenges. Tesla’s registrations dipped by 37% in February compared to last year. The company claims that recent orders continue to exceed expectations.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) emphasized that March could be a crucial month for EVs. This is due to the release of the new 76-plate and the ongoing government support through the Electric Car Grant.

Emerging Trends in Hybrid and Petrol Sales

Plug-in hybrids saw a remarkable increase of 43.5% year-on-year.
Market share of plug-in hybrids grew from 8.7% to 11.6%.
Hybrid vehicles also saw a 3.3% increase, capturing a 13.1% market share.
Petrol vehicle registrations rose by 5.2%, with over 41,000 new vehicles registered.
Diesel vehicles continued their decline, dropping from a 5% market share to 4.5%.

Expert Insights

Ben Nelmes, CEO of transport research firm New AutoMotive, expressed optimism despite the slower EV sales. He noted that one in four motorists chose electric vehicles in February, citing this shift as a move towards energy independence.

The figures for February 2025 underscore a complex automotive landscape. While interest in EVs has plateaued, hybrids and petrol vehicles are gaining traction. Overall, the month represents a significant milestone in the UK’s automotive market evolution.