UK new car registrations saw a 2.0 per cent fall in August to 82,908 units, during what is normally the quietest month of the year - generally accounting for less than five per cent of annual deliveries ahead of September's number plate change.

The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders says that fleet uptake dominated the month, accounting for 59.1 per cent of all new vehicles reaching the road despite a 4.6 per cent reduction in volumes. Uptake by private buyers grew by a marginal 0.7 per cent while the business sector rose 41.6 per cent, although this equated to fewer than 500 additional units.

The zero emission transition, fuelled by manufacturer investment in model choice, hefty discounting, and a new fiscal incentive from government, drove battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations up by 14.9 per cent to reach a market share of 26.5 per cent- the highest this year and the fourth highest on record.Thisreplicates the pattern in 2023 and 2024, where August's low overall registration volumes and high fleet concentration resulted in significantly larger BEV shares than those recorded across the rest of the year.

BEV growth was only outpaced by plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) uptake, which rose by 69.4 per cent to deliver an 11.8 per cent market share. Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uptake, meanwhile, fell by 13.9 per cent to account for 11.4 per cent of the market.

In the first eight months, the new car market is up 2.1 per cent to a five-year peak of 1.265 million - although it still remains 16.7 per cent down on pre-pandemic levels, with BEV share comprising 21.9 per cent, below 2025's nominal zero emission vehicle mandate target of 28 per cent.

As that target approaches and ‘new number plate' September, usually the second busiest month of the year, gets underway, accelerating EV uptake remains critical. Around a quarter of BEV models are now eligible for the Electric Car Grant, which has the potential to increase demand over the coming months. Combined with action to accelerate affordable, reliable and convenient charging solutions, the year-to-date market share of EVs should increase as the industry strives to deliver on government ambition.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executivesaid: "August was the best month yet this year for EV market share and, while it is often volatile due to low overall volumes, the overall trend is positive. September will be critical, with the new number plate factor typically driving around one in seven new car registrations for the year.

"There is now a vast choice of electric models across all segments and many consumers will also, for the first time in three years, benefit from a grant to help them switch to electric. With more models being added to the Government's Electric Car grant each week, there is now every reason for drivers to make the switch, helping deliver both economic growth and decarbonisation."