Department for Transport figures show 2,012,000 zero-emission vehicles were licensed, with 528,000 added in 2025 across cars, vans, buses, trucks and motorcycles.
Electric passenger cars made up a record 23.4% of new car registrations in 2025, while ministers said more than 100,000 buyers used grants of up to £3,750.
The government said EV demand has risen 10% since the grant launched, alongside £7.5bn in funding, £600m for more chargers and 119,000 chargers already available before 2030 and 2035 targets.
As Chinese brands dominate affordable EVs and charging gaps widen, will UK drivers benefit from real choice and convenience in the coming years?
With UK EV sales lagging behind ZEV mandates and new mileage taxes looming, could government targets risk stalling the electric transition?
UK EV Market Hits 2 Million Milestone Amid Rapid Growth and Infrastructure Expansion in 2025
Overview
In 2025, the UK surpassed 2 million electric vehicles on its roads, driven by a supportive government policy environment, including the Electric Car Grant and the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate. This growth was boosted by a 37% expansion in public charging infrastructure, with a focus on rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, and significant savings for drivers averaging £870 annually due to high fossil fuel prices. The UK also became a key gateway for competitive Chinese EV brands, intensifying market competition and making EVs more affordable. Together, these factors accelerated adoption, positioning the UK as a European leader in electric vehicle uptake.