The surge in electric car sales is propelling a significant increase in motor vehicle purchases in the UK, marking the largest boom since the pandemic. One of the primary factors leading consumers to shift from traditional petrol vehicles is attributed to the aftermath of Donald Trump’s conflict in Iran.
Last month, the UK witnessed a registration of 160,662 new cars, reflecting a 7% rise compared to 150,070 in May 2025, as reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This surge marked the highest number of registrations for the month of May since 2019. Notably, new electric cars powered solely by batteries saw a substantial increase of 34.2%, capturing a market share of 27.3%.
According to the SMMT, the sharp uptick in electric vehicle (EV) sales can be attributed to the expanding variety of EV models available, significant discounts offered by manufacturers, and the prevailing economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
The spike in petrol and diesel prices in the UK following the Iran oil crisis has been significant, with pump prices soaring by 20% post-war. Presently, unleaded petrol averages at 159.43p per litre, while diesel prices have recently peaked at 184.96p per litre.
Renault’s UK marketing director, David Isherwood, noted the increasing demand for EVs driven by a broader selection of more advanced and cost-effective vehicles, coupled with the heightened attention on fuel costs due to the oil price crisis.
While President Trump has criticized electric vehicles in the past, referring to them as an ideology of the left-wing, he briefly commended US automaker Tesla during his association with Elon Musk.
Nissan’s recent announcement to manufacture vehicles designed by Chinese company Chery at its Sunderland facility underscores China’s growing influence in the UK’s EV market.
Professor David Bailey from the University of Birmingham highlighted the potential shift in the UK’s automotive landscape, suggesting that China’s car industry might transition from exporting to manufacturing in Britain. This development could position Chery as a significant Chinese car manufacturer producing passenger cars at scale in the UK, marking a pivotal moment in the industry’s dynamics.
Notably, the UK has emerged as one of China’s major global markets for EV sales, with the Jaecoo 7 4×4 ranking as the third best-selling car of 2026 thus far, surpassing popular models like the Vauxhall Corsa, Ranger Rover Sport, and the Mini Cooper.
Professor Bailey emphasized the UK’s advantageous position in terms of tariffs on Chinese imports compared to the US and EU, creating a conducive environment for the influx of Chinese EVs. Additionally, he pointed out China’s strategic focus on electric vehicle manufacturing since the early 2000s, enabling them to outpace Western automakers in the EV technology race.