Rising fuel prices have led to a sharp increase in electric car sales in the UK, with March recording the highest number of new vehicle registrations for the month since 2019, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Mirror reported.
A total of 380,627 vehicles were registered during March, marking a 6.6% increase compared to the same period last year. The month is traditionally the busiest for the auto industry, as new number plates are introduced, prompting a surge in purchases.
The growth was largely driven by electrified vehicles, which recorded their best-ever monthly performance. Sales in this category reached 196,059 units, with battery electric vehicles leading the surge. Registrations of fully electric cars jumped 24% to a record 86,120 units.
The best-selling model in March was the Jaecoo 7, marking the first time the Chinese brand has taken the top position in the UK market. The rise highlights the growing presence of Chinese electric vehicles, which are increasingly competing with established Western manufacturers.
The Jaecoo brand, which entered the UK market in February 2025, recorded a 570% year-on-year surge in sales in March. With sales of over 12,700 units, it nearly matched Volvo and exceeded Tesla by around 4,000 units.
This is the first time since January 2023—when MG topped the charts—that a Chinese-made model has become the UK’s best-selling car.
Following the Jaecoo 7, the next best-selling models in March were the Ford Puma and the Nissan Qashqai.
Industry experts say the trend reflects a shift in consumer preference towards electric vehicles as fuel costs rise, with more buyers opting for cleaner and potentially more cost-effective alternatives.
