Government data reveals which UK cities have seen the biggest increase in EV and hybrid registrations ahead of the 2030 petrol and diesel car ban but the lowest is Newport.
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Chester recorded the biggest increase in EV registrations, rising by 1,197% between 2022 and 2025, alongside a 446% rise in hybrid registrations.
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Manchester and Peterborough followed, with EV registrations increasing by 468% and 364% respectively.
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Car insurance experts, esure, highlight the UK cities where electric and hybrid vehicle registrations are growing fastest.
- Newport has seen the steepest drop in electric vehicle registrations.
From 2030, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will end in the UK, with all new cars and vans required to be fully zero-emission by 2035.
To understand which UK cities are seeing the biggest shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles, car insurance experts esure analysed Freedom of Information data on EV and hybrid registrations in 2025, comparing figures with 2022. While hybrids are not included in the 2035 zero-emission target, they remain part of the transition towards lower-emission driving.
A spokesperson at esure says: “With the 2030 petrol and diesel car ban approaching, it’s encouraging to see cities across the UK experiencing significant growth in electric and hybrid vehicle registrations.
“As more drivers make the switch to electric and hybrid vehicles, it’s important they understand how their insurance needs may differ, from battery cover to charging equipment and repair costs. While adoption rates vary across the country, the rise in registrations suggests lower-emission vehicles are becoming an increasingly common choice for UK motorists.”
Dealers recently recorded rising second hand values of evs is also helping the sector establish itself as prices stabilise and the longer life traction batteries in newwer models now instil greater confidence among buyers looking to cut costs. However the incoming pence per mile charge for evs from next April may slow down their sale, both on the new and second hand markets.
Slow installation of public charging points is also dimming demand in some areas where physical problems exist for householders to put power points in their premises.
The Biggest Increase in EV Registrations Since 2022
