EV boom intensifies in May, Volkswagen threatens Tesla’s top spot

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations rose by 28% year-on-year in May, with 31,519 new electric cars hitting the road - securing a 21.9% share of the total car market, according to data from New AutoMotive.

The year-to-date picture is equally bullish. So far in 2025, 175,165 BEVs have been registered, marking a 29.0% increase over the same period in 2024 and pushing EV market share close to 21%.

Among manufacturers, Tesla currently leads with an 8% market share, narrowly ahead of BMW (also 8%) by just 0.23 percentage points. However, Volkswagen is closing in fast after posting a significant 201% year-on-year rise in BEV registrations, putting it only 0.35% behind the leader. If the momentum continues, VW could top the UK EV leaderboard as early as next month.

Volkswagen isn’t alone in its meteoric rise. Nine other brands in the UK’s top 20 have posted triple-digit growth, including Ford (+324%), BYD (+261%), Mini (+292%), Renault (+246%), Skoda (+143%), Peugeot (+112%), Polestar (+173%), and Cupra (+106%). While most of this growth has been driven by European and US brands, BYD stands out as the only Chinese marque among the fastest risers.

The electric van segment also saw notable progress, with BEV van registrations up 41% year-to-date, reaching 9,776 units and capturing a 7.9% market share.

In stark contrast, fossil fuel vehicle sales are slipping. Petrol car registrations fell by 23.6% in May, while diesel cars now account for just 5.6% of total market share - a record low.

Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, commented: "May's figures are a clear indicator that the UK's journey to electric mobility is not just on track, but accelerating. A 28% surge in electric car registrations, and nearly one in five new cars being electric year-to-date, shows that consumers are increasingly choosing the cleaner, cheaper, and better driving experience that EVs offer."

He added: "The ZEV mandate is clearly working, encouraging manufacturers to bring more electric models to market and making it easier for drivers to make the switch. The strong growth in the electric van sector is also incredibly encouraging, as businesses reap the rewards of lower running costs and reduced emissions. This sustained momentum is vital for achieving the UK's net-zero ambitions and improving air quality across the country."