Discover why green electric cars are booming in the UK, with record sales of green‑hued EVs in 2025. Learn the trends—read more now!
The electric‑vehicle (EV) boom in the United Kingdom is doing more than reshaping the market’s technology – it’s putting a literal green spin on new‑car sales. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the number of green‑painted cars sold in 2025 hit a 20‑year high.
Sales Spike for Green‑Hued Vehicles
In 2025, British consumers bought 99,793 green cars, a 46.3% jump from the previous year and nearly 5% of all new‑car registrations. The SMMT links this surge directly to the electrification wave, noting that buyers increasingly associate the colour green with carbon‑neutral goals and national environmental targets.
Why Colour Matters in a Green Era
Historically, European car buyers – especially in the UK – have favoured neutral shades such as grey, black and white. This bias even prompted Fiat CEO Olivier Francois to launch a 2023 campaign encouraging customers to opt for brighter, more expressive hues. The current shift shows that colour can serve as a subtle barometer of consumer sentiment.
Electric Vehicles Lead the Green Trend
Pure‑battery EVs (BEVs) painted in green surged almost two‑fold, with 23,249 units sold in 2025 alone. Across the board, electric powertrains – including BEVs, hybrids and plug‑in hybrids – now account for over 48% of all new‑car registrations in the UK.
Policy Push and Industry Response
The growth is underpinned by national policies aimed at reaching net‑zero carbon emissions by 2035. SMMT CEO Mike Hawes says manufacturers are responding by widening their colour palettes and finish options to meet evolving buyer preferences.
Neutral Colours Still Dominate, But Green Is Gaining Ground
Grey remains the top colour for an eighth consecutive year, followed by black – a favourite among executive‑class cars – as well as blue and white. Yet the rise of green indicates a gradual shift in taste alongside the broader “greening” of the UK auto industry.
As electric mobility becomes the norm, the green hue may soon move from a niche choice to a mainstream statement of sustainability.