Electric car sales experienced a significant surge of almost 60% in the previous month due to the escalation of the Middle East conflict, leading to a sharp rise in petrol prices. Industry data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed that out of over 149,200 new cars registered in April, nearly 39,100 were battery electric vehicles. The growing demand for electric cars is driven, in part, by consumers seeking cost savings on refueling expenses amidst the continuous increase in petrol and diesel prices following the Iran war.
Overall car sales saw a 24% year-on-year increase in April, although this comparison was against a relatively weak April in 2025. While petrol cars remained the top choice with sales up by 8% to 63,541 units, diesel car sales continued to decline, dropping by 1% to 6,341 units in April. Despite reaching the milestone of two million electric car registrations in the UK in April, the SMMT cautioned that electric vehicles are unlikely to achieve the market share levels mandated by the government.
The SMMT revised its forecast for new car sales this year to just under 2.1 million units but reduced the projected market share for battery electric vehicles from 28.5% to 26.8%. The organization anticipates that electric vehicles’ market share will only increase to 32% next year, falling short of the manufacturers’ target. The SMMT expressed concerns about the impact of the Iran conflict on consumer interest in electric vehicles, highlighting potential dampening effects due to inflation, higher energy prices, and the resulting cost of living concerns.
Mike Hawes, the chief executive of the SMMT, emphasized the importance of aligning policy with market realities to prevent limitations on consumer choice, overall decarbonization, and the competitiveness of the automotive sector. Colin Walker, head of transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, noted the 59% surge in electric car sales in April, attributing it to the rising fuel prices stemming from the Middle East conflict. He highlighted the shift towards electric vehicles as a means to reduce the UK’s oil dependency and enhance energy security through the use of renewable energy sources.
James Hosking, managing director of AA Cars, pointed out the sustained momentum in the new car market post the March plate-change boost, indicating resilience among buyers amid economic pressures. He acknowledged the influence of high fuel prices on consumer decisions, leading to increased interest in electric vehicles as drivers seek stability in running costs. Hosking also highlighted the financial appeal of electric vehicles beyond their environmental benefits, although affordability remains a significant challenge for prospective buyers amidst higher borrowing costs and household financial constraints.
