The UK recorded its highest-ever monthly market share for battery-electric cars in September, as more drivers embraced electric vehicles and petrol-powered models lost ground.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 28.3% of new car registrations during the month. The milestone came as the wider new-car market recorded its strongest September performance since 2017.
A total of 350,518 new cars were registered in September, an increase of 12.1% compared with the same month in 2025. The market also extended its growth streak to 10 consecutive months, offering fresh evidence of sustained demand for new vehicles.
Electric car registrations approach 100,000
Battery-electric car registrations rose by 36.3% year-on-year to 99,199 vehicles. This means almost one in three new cars registered during September was fully electric.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles also recorded strong growth, with registrations climbing 55.7% to 59,563. Their market share reached a record 17%, reflecting growing interest in vehicles that combine electric driving with a petrol-powered engine.
Combined, battery-electric cars, plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids accounted for a record 58.4% of all new car registrations. The figures underline the growing importance of electrified vehicles in the UK market, although they do not mean that all these cars are fully electric.
Petrol cars lose ground as buying choices expand
Petrol-powered car registrations fell by 6.7% to 131,861 in September. Diesel registrations, however, increased by 11.5% to 14,057, showing that demand across traditional fuel types did not move in the same direction.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the record electric-car performance was a significant achievement. He attributed the growing interest to the wider choice of available models and high fuel prices, which are encouraging more consumers to consider going electric.
British motorists now have 178 battery-electric models to choose from, according to the industry body. That is more than twice the number available in 2023, while the market also offers more than 110 plug-in hybrids and 50 conventional hybrid models.
The expanding selection gives consumers more options across vehicle sizes, prices and driving needs. However, the affordability of electric cars, access to charging and the cost of ownership remain important considerations for buyers.
Jaecoo 7 leads September sales
The Jaecoo 7 was reported as the UK’s best-selling new car in September, followed by the Tesla Model 3 and Ford Puma.
The result highlights the increasingly competitive nature of the UK market, where established manufacturers face growing pressure from newer brands. Competition, new model launches and broader discounting have also helped encourage buyers to purchase vehicles.
September is particularly important for the UK car industry because it is one of two months when new registration plates are introduced. The month typically accounts for about one in seven new car registrations across the year.
UK electric-car target remains a challenge
Despite September’s record, the UK remains behind the electric-car market share required under its 2026 targets.
Battery-electric cars accounted for 26.2% of registrations during the first nine months of 2026, with 454,945 vehicles registered. That is below the 33% share cited as the required level for the year and the 28% target referenced for 2025.
Based on the SMMT’s full-year forecast of 2.183 million new car registrations, the industry would need approximately 265,000 additional battery-electric registrations in the final quarter to reach a 33% annual market share.
The figures show the scale of the challenge facing manufacturers as they seek to increase electric-car sales while meeting regulatory requirements. A record month is encouraging, but maintaining that momentum across the remaining months will be crucial.
The UK Department for Transport opened a consultation on the zero-emission vehicle mandate on 14 August, with the deadline set for 23 October 2026. Options under consideration include changes to the 2030 target and greater flexibility for manufacturers in meeting their obligations.
For motorists, the direction of the market means more electric models and potentially more competitive offers. The longer-term pace of adoption will depend on vehicle prices, charging infrastructure, consumer confidence and the regulatory framework.
Editorial note: The September figures are described in the supplied material as preliminary. The annual target comparison and final-quarter calculation should be checked against the latest SMMT data and the applicable mandate rules before publication.
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