Britain is experiencing a significant surge in electric car sales, marking the largest increase in motor vehicle purchases since the pandemic outbreak. A key factor behind this trend is the aftermath of Donald Trump’s conflict with Iran, prompting consumers to shift away from traditional petrol cars.
Last month, the UK witnessed a total of 160,662 new car registrations, a notable 7% rise from the 150,070 recorded in May 2025, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This spike represents the strongest May in terms of registrations since 2019. Notably, the market share of new electric cars powered solely by batteries increased by 34.2% to reach 27.3%.
The SMMT attributed the surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales to the growing variety of EV models available, significant discounts offered by manufacturers, and the presence of economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
The Iran oil crisis led to a substantial hike in petrol and diesel prices in the UK, with pump prices soaring by 20% post-war. The current average price for unleaded petrol stands at 159.43p per litre, while diesel prices recently peaked at 184.96p per litre.
Renault’s UK marketing director, David Isherwood, highlighted the escalating demand for EVs, driven by an expanding range of more capable and affordable electric cars, as well as the increased focus on fuel costs following the oil price crisis.
Despite his previous criticisms of electric vehicles, including labeling them as ideologies of the left, Donald Trump did express admiration for US carmaker Tesla during his interactions with Elon Musk. Meanwhile, Nissan’s recent announcement to manufacture vehicles designed by Chinese company Chery at its Sunderland plant underscores China’s growing influence in the UK’s EV market.
Professor David Bailey of the University of Birmingham pointed out that China’s car industry is transitioning from exporting to manufacturing in the UK, with Chery potentially becoming the first major Chinese carmaker to produce passenger cars in the UK at a significant scale. This development signifies a shift where China is not just competing with Western automakers but becoming an integral part of the UK’s industrial landscape.
With Britain emerging as one of China’s primary international markets for EVs, the Jaecoo 7 4×4 model currently ranks as the third best-selling car of 2026, surpassing popular models like the Vauxhall Corsa, Ranger Rover Sport, and the Mini Cooper.
Professor Bailey highlighted the UK’s favorable stance on Chinese imports compared to the US and EU as a crucial factor, making it an attractive market for Chinese EVs. Additionally, China’s strategic focus on electric vehicle manufacturing since the early 2000s has propelled them ahead in the EV technology race, surpassing many Western counterparts.
