UK EV registrations hit 473,348 in 2025 but infrastructure gaps persist, Carwow study finds
By Eve
Electric vehicle registrations in the UK reached 473,348 in 2025, representing 23.4% of all new car sales and making Britain Europe's second largest EV market by volume, according to a Carwow study. However, adoption fell short of the 28% Zero Emission Vehicle mandate target for 2025, and the research highlights that charging infrastructure is not expanding uniformly across regions to match rising demand. The study examined local adoption data, charging network coverage, government investment figures and survey insights to assess where EV ownership is strongest and whether infrastructure is keeping pace.
Why it matters: The mismatch between EV uptake and charging infrastructure rollout signals procurement opportunities in underserved areas, particularly as the 2030 petrol and diesel ban approaches. CPOs and local authorities will need to accelerate network deployment to meet the escalating ZEV mandate targets, which rise beyond 28% from 2026 onwards.