Sales of new electric cars reached a record high last month, figures show. The SMMT said this was partly driven by the Department for Transport’s (DfT) electric car grant, which “provided added impetus in certain segments”. The overall new car market grew by 13.7% last month compared with September 2024, with 312,887 registrations. “The electric car grant will help to break down one of the barriers holding back more drivers from making the switch. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Our discounts have sparked a surge in electric car sales, making them cheaper and within reach of more households than ever before.