Record Surge in UK Car Registrations

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported a significant 12.4% annual increase in car registrations across the United Kingdom, totaling 357,103 units in March. This marks a historic moment for the automotive industry, particularly for electric vehicles.

Shift Towards Electric Vehicles

While traditional petrol and diesel vehicles saw a decline, with drops of 0.4% and 10.1% respectively, electric vehicles (EVs) experienced unprecedented growth. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) surged by 43.2%, 37.9%, and 27.7% compared to March 2024.

"March became the largest month ever for registrations of electric cars," highlighted the SMMT, underscoring the shifting consumer preferences towards greener alternatives.

Year-to-Date Growth

From the beginning of the year, total car registrations have risen by 6.4% compared to the same period last year, reaching 580,502 units. This growth reflects the ongoing recovery and transformation within the automotive sector.