Sales of green-coloured cars in the United Kingdom have soared to their highest point in over two decades, according to newly released figures for 2025. This vibrant resurgence is being fuelled by the accelerating shift to electric motoring, with many buyers choosing the colour to visibly underscore their vehicle's environmental credentials.
Electric Boom Drives Colour Revival
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that 99,793 new green cars were registered last year. This marks the highest annual volume since 2004, when 118,633 green cars found owners. The shade secured seventh place in the popularity rankings, capturing a 4.9% share of the total new car market.
This trend runs parallel to the record-breaking uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Registrations for new pure electric cars hit 473,348 units in 2025, a significant 23.9% increase from the previous year. Consequently, their market share grew from 19.6% to a substantial 23.4%.
Grey Maintains Its Monochrome Dominance
Despite the notable rise of green, the UK's love affair with more subdued shades remains unshaken. Grey was the nation's most popular new car colour for the eighth consecutive year, accounting for over a quarter (27.6%) of all new registrations.
The full ranking of top colours for 2025 is dominated by monochrome and dark tones:
- Grey: 27.6% market share
- Black: 23.0%
- Blue: 15.2%
- White: 13.1%
- Silver: 6.3%
The overall new car market itself experienced growth, expanding by 3.5% in 2025.
Manufacturers Respond to Changing Tastes
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, commented on the figures, noting the consistency of buyer preferences while acknowledging the shift. "UK car buyers’ preferences remain pretty consistent, with monochrome continuing to lead in popularity," he said.
"The surge in green, however, matches the growing popularity of electrified cars as the new car market decarbonises. As ever, manufacturers are responding by expanding model ranges, colours and finishes, giving UK drivers more opportunities to personalise their vehicles – even if grey matters most."
This expansion in choice, particularly for electric models, suggests that while traditional colours rule the roads for now, the palette of Britain's driveways is gradually becoming more colourful in line with the electric revolution.
