UK Car Market Surges 24% as EV Registrations Pass 2 Million
The UK new car market surged 24% in April 2026 to 149,247 units, with electrified vehicles accounting for 53.2% of registrations. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) hit a milestone of 2 million registrations, but year-to-date BEV share remains below the 33% target set by the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.
The UK new car market rebounded strongly in April 2026, with registrations rising 24% year-on-year to 149,247 units. Fleet demand drove growth, with business and leasing activity up 26.8% to 90,462 units. Electrified vehicles dominated the market, accounting for 53.2% of new registrations. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) reached a milestone of 2 million registrations, with a 26.2% market share in April. However, year-to-date BEV share stands at 23.1%, below the 33% target. The SMMT forecasts total UK registrations to rise 3.6% in 2026 to 2.093 million units, with BEVs achieving a 26.8% market share, revised downward from 28.5%. Cost pressures and global uncertainty weigh on EV adoption, with high energy costs and expensive charging infrastructure remaining key barriers.
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