Overview
- SMMT data show 2025 UK new‑car registrations rose 3.5% to about 2.02 million, the first post‑pandemic return above the two‑million mark.
- Battery‑electric vehicles accounted for 23.4% of 2025 registrations, rising to 32.3% in December but remaining below the 28% zero‑emission quota.
- Chinese‑made models represented 27.9% of EVs sold and 13.5% of all new cars in the UK last year, reflecting rapid gains by China‑produced brands and models.
- Manufacturers spent roughly £5.5 billion on EV discounts in 2025 to boost uptake, a level SMMT calls unsustainable as it urges the government to ease requirements.
- Automakers face potential fines of up to £12,000 per non‑compliant vehicle but can trade credits or defer compliance, with the UK’s lack of extra tariffs on Chinese EVs supporting strong imports.