Sales of green-coloured cars in the United Kingdom have surged to their highest level in over two decades, according to new figures for 2025. This remarkable resurgence is being fuelled primarily by the accelerating adoption of electric vehicles, as drivers increasingly seek to showcase their environmental commitment through their choice of paintwork.
Record Numbers for Green and Electric Vehicles
The data reveals a striking picture of changing consumer preferences. In 2025, a total of 99,793 new green cars were registered, marking the highest annual figure seen in 21 years. This significant volume secured green's position as the seventh most popular new car colour nationwide, capturing a 4.9 per cent share of the total market.
This trend runs parallel to the unprecedented growth in the electric vehicle sector. Registrations for new battery electric cars hit a record 473,348 units in 2025. This represents a substantial increase of 23.9 per cent compared to the previous year, underscoring the rapid shift towards electrified motoring on British roads.
Grey Maintains Its Dominant Streak
Despite the notable rise of green, more traditional and monochrome shades continue to dominate the overall market. Grey retained its crown as the UK's favourite new car colour for an eighth consecutive year. It accounted for a commanding 27.6 per cent of all new cars registered in 2025, demonstrating its enduring appeal among British motorists.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which compiled the data, highlighted the connection between colour choice and vehicle technology. The industry body noted that while shades like grey, black, and white remain perennially popular, the surge in green registrations directly reflects the growing trend for electrified cars. Buyers of these cleaner vehicles appear to be consciously selecting a colour that symbolises their eco-friendly choice.
What This Means for the UK's Automotive Landscape
The figures for 2025 paint a clear picture of a nation in transition. The record uptake of electric vehicles is beginning to have a visible impact beyond just vehicle emissions and energy consumption—it is subtly changing the aesthetic of our roads.
The comeback of green as a popular colour, after years of decline, serves as a symbolic indicator of the mainstreaming of environmental consciousness in automotive consumer behaviour. It suggests that for a growing segment of buyers, their vehicle is an active statement of values, not just a mode of transport.
Looking ahead, analysts will be watching to see if this association between green paint and electric powertrains strengthens further. The continued growth of the EV market may well ensure that green maintains, or even improves, its newfound popularity in the UK's colour charts for years to come.
