Two million electric vehicles now on UK roads

DfT reveals 31% increase in licensing of zero-emission vehicles

Two million electric vehicles have been registered in the UK, with 100,000 drivers having benefitted from electric car grant funding introduced last year.

Data from the Department for Transport indicates that 2,012,000 zero-emission vehicles were licensed at the end of 2025, representing a 31.2% increase compared with the previous year.

The figures suggest that the Electric Car grant, Worth up to £3,750 off a new EV, is breaking down one of the key barriers to drivers making the switch to electric by cutting the upfront cost of an EV.

Demand for EVs rose 10% in the six months from when the electric car grant launched in July 2025. 

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “As global fuel prices continue to fluctuate, making the switch has never made more sense. We’ve made it cheaper and easier than ever to buy an EV, helping over 100,000 drivers save up to £3,750 off the cost of a new electric car.

“We’re also investing £600m to deliver hundreds of thousands of additional chargers to support this uptick and build on the 119,000 already available – that’s twice the number of petrol pumps.”

Tanya Sinclair, chief executive at Electric Vehicles UK, said: “Two million electric vehicles in the UK shows that if the market offers choice, value and availability, drivers will snap it up.

“Policies and incentives all need to point drivers towards EVs too, which is why the electric car grant has put 100,000 more people behind the wheel, who might otherwise have waited.

“It is now more important than ever for government to build on these foundations with cohesive policy. If it does, the market and the next two million EVs will follow.”

Jarrod Birch, head of policy and public affairs at chargepoint operator association ChargeUK, said: “It could not be clearer that now is the time for government to hit the accelerator pedal on the EV transition, not hit the brake by watering down manufacturers' sales quotas.

“It can do so by fixing the policy issues pushing up public charging costs, ensuring millions more can make the switch and get off the fossil fuel price rollercoaster.”

Vicky Edmonds, chief executive officer for EVA England, added: “This can’t just be about targets and big headline numbers. Getting the transition right means reaching the people who’ve so far been left out. Particularly those without easy access to home charging who face higher costs, and many middle-income and lower-income households. That’s what will ultimately determine whether this shift works for everyday drivers, not just those already able to make the switch.”

Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), said: “Reaching over two million electric vehicles on UK roads reflects growing consumer confidence, supported by government incentives and increasing choice for buyers. However, to maintain this momentum, it is essential that key barriers are addressed. This includes expanding and improving charging infrastructure, ensuring affordability for consumers, and reviewing the cost disparity between public and domestic charging to support wider.

“Franchised dealers play a crucial role in supporting customers through the transition, but continued collaboration between industry and government will be vital to ensure a smooth and sustainable shift to electric vehicles.”