UK Electric Vehicle Sales Rise Despite Tesla's Decline

Strategic Insights -

British car buyers are increasingly turning to environmentally friendly alternatives, such as electric vehicles, despite the overall decline in new car sales. According to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the number of pure electric vehicles (BEVs) sold in the UK rose 9.1% in July, with a 21.3% market share. Meanwhile, Tesla's UK sales plummeted, falling 60% in July compared to the same month last year, with the brand's market share shrinking to 0.7%. BYD, a Chinese rival, saw a significant surge in sales, more than quadrupling to 3,184 units, driven by its affordable Dolphin Surf model. The industry anticipates a boost from the government's newly announced Electric Car Grant, although the models eligible for the grant have not yet been confirmed.

Key Takeaways:

  • UK pure electric vehicle (BEV) sales rose 9.1% in July to a 21.3% market share.
  • Tesla's UK sales fell 60% in July compared to the same month last year, with a market share of 0.7%.
  • BYD, a Chinese rival, surged to 3,184 units in July, driven by its Dolphin Surf model.
  • BYD saw a 514% increase in sales this year, surpassing Tesla's sales of 22,574.
  • Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles rose 33% to 17,489 in July.
  • Industry body data shows that 987 new Teslas were registered in the UK in July.
  • Overall new car registrations in the UK fell 5% in July, the weakest since 2022.
  • The government's Electric Car Grant has been welcomed by the industry, but its eligibility criteria are yet to be confirmed.
  • British car buyers are turning to clean alternatives, such as electric vehicles, despite the uncertainty surrounding the grant and manufacturer discounts.

Statistics:

  • 140,154 vehicles were registered in the UK in July, the weakest July since 2022.
  • 987 new Teslas were registered in the UK in July.
  • Tesla's UK market share decreased to 0.7% in July, from 1.67% a year ago.
  • BYD's UK sales rose 514% in 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year.
  • 3,184 BYD vehicles were sold in the UK in July.
  • Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles increased by 33% to 17,489 in July.
  • Electric vehicle (EV) sales in the UK are expected to rise due to the Electric Car Grant.

Sources:

  • Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
  • UK car sales data for July 2025