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The UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is powering one of the biggest growth stories in the auto industry, with electric car sales consistently beating targets. The policy is paying off pushing manufacturers to deliver a surge of affordable models that are winning over UK drivers. October set a new benchmark, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) making up 26% of all new car sales, while Renault saw half of its sales go fully electric.
The message from the market couldn’t be clearer, a bold, well-executed strategy drives success. Where attractive models are available, consumer demand is strong and BEVs have become the industry’s primary growth engine. Carmakers that committed early are now expanding market share and locking in long-term advantage.
Mini offers a striking example, since launching its first BEV in 2020, the brand’s B-segment electric share has climbed to 20% by 2025, far outpacing its petrol l lineup. The momentum shows that manufacturers driving forward with EVs are reaping rewards, while those holding back, like Nissan or Toyota, risk being left behind as the market accelerates toward an all-electric future.
‘The electric vehicle market isn’t just an opportunity, it's a turning point for carmakers ready to lead. Whether it’s Tesla, BYD or Geely, multi-billion pound businesses have been built by getting ahead of the curve. Legacy manufacturers can do the same if they act boldly and get their BEV strategy right. We’re already seeing car brands grow their market share with electric models, even where their petrol and diesel sales have stalled. UK manufacturers must not buy into the critics’ doubts when the data and business case for electric vehicle growth are crystal clear,’ T&E UK Vehicles Policy Manager Tim Dexter said.
Nissan’s recent dip in UK EV market share -falling to just 12% in 2024 and 4% in the first half of 2025- highlights the risk for automakers without a clear transition strategy. This gap was largely caused by delayed roll out of the new, Sunderland built, Leaf and a slow delivery of new electric models across different sizes and price points, not a lack of consumer demand.
With the new Leaf, Micra, and Juke BEVs set to launch in 2026 and 2027, Nissan is perfectly positioned to bounce back. Strong demand for Nissan’s UK-made vehicles like the Qashqai and Juke, already among the top five best-sellers in 2025, shows that a refreshed BEV lineup can put the brand firmly on track to meet the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate targets and secure a leading role in Britain’s electric transition.
The EV boom’s success is fundamentally tied to the UK’s world leading Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Consumers clearly want a growing variety of EV options, and market demand has surged compared to 2020, reflecting this appetite.
‘This track record should prove to the government that the ZEV mandate and its 2035 phase out date are crucial for UK automotive success. With robust targets, continued support for innovation, and investment in infrastructure, the UK’s automotive industry is well placed to lead the EV transition creating new jobs, attracting investment, and placing British built vehicles as a market leader.’’ Tim Dexter added.
