Overview

• UK new car registrations climbed 1.6% in May to 150,070 units, marking the second month of year-on-year growth in 2025.
• Battery electric vehicles surged 25.8% year-on-year, capturing a 21.8% market share and helping electrified models account for nearly half of total sales.
• Tesla’s UK deliveries plunged 36% to 2,016 units in May, reducing its market share to around 1.3%.
• BYD leapt ahead with 3,025 registrations, up 407.6%, overtaking Tesla as Britain’s top EV brand, while Polestar sales jumped 273.9% to 1,174 vehicles.
• The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders warns that deep discounting is unsustainable and is urging the government to introduce fiscal incentives such as VAT reductions and VED exemptions in the upcoming spending review.