Demand for EVs sparks strongest May for UK new car sales since 2019
A boost in demand for electric vehicles drove the UK’s new car market to its strongest May sales performance since before the coronavirus pandemic, new figures show.
Some 160,662 new cars were registered last month, up 7.1% from 150,070 during May 2025, the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders said.
This was the best May for registrations since 2019, when the total was 183,724.
A resurgence in private buyers was a major factor in last month’s year-on-year increase.
Registrations from these buyers were up 17%.
The SMMT attributed this to ‘increasingly competitive offers’ from a range of brands and more model choice.
Registrations of pure battery electric new cars were up 34% to take a market share of 27%.
By Neil Lancefield, Press Association Transport Correspondent
Press Association: Finance
source: PA
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