According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the UK has reached a milestone of two million electric vehicle registrations as of April 2026. The market share for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) stood at 26.1% during the month, reflecting continued growth in the sector.
The SMMT reported that total new car registrations in April 2026 were 134,000 units, with BEVs accounting for 35,000 of those. This represents a 12% increase in BEV registrations compared to April 2025. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrids (HEVs) also saw gains, with combined market share reaching 40%.
Industry analysts attribute the rise to expanding charging infrastructure and new model launches. The UK government's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires 80% of new car sales to be zero-emission by 2030, continues to drive manufacturer investment.
However, concerns remain about charging reliability and grid capacity. The SMMT has called for sustained investment in public charging points to meet growing demand.
