Electric car sales surge as drivers move away from petrol and diesel
Consumer Editor
The electric car market accelerated in September with new registrations up 36% on 2025, according to the latest industry data from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders).
Driven by record fuel prices, with diesel in the UK hitting a new record high of £2 a litre, BEV (battery electric vehicles) made up 28% of all new cars registered in September.
Registrations of new petrol cars were down 7%, with a 37% market share in September while just 4% of all new cars were powered by diesel.
With petrol and diesel prices continuing to climb amid tensions in the Middle East, more drivers are now making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs).
The market performance marks a tenth consecutive month of growth and the strongest September since 2017.
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Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) enjoyed a surge in popularity, with registrations jumping 55% to reach record volumes and a 17% total market share.
It is not just the impact of global politics driving this trend; the rise in EV adoption is also down to the growing number of affordable choices available to drivers.
The best small electric cars include the RAC Car of the Year, the Kia EV2, which offers 281 miles of range. Prices start from under £25,000 Electric Car Grant savings are applied.
The RAC Highly Commended Renault 4 E-Tech offers a range of between 243 and 249 miles, depending on spec, while prices start at under £24,000.
There are also 110 plug-in hybrids and around 50 conventional hybrids available to buy in the UK. As a result, electrified powertrains now feature in more than three-quarters of all new cars available to UK buyers.
You can keep up to date with the latest petrol and diesel prices with RAC Fuel Watch.
Minister for Climate Transition, Katie White, said: “Today’s figures show Britain’s electric car boom is alive and well. People are making the switch because it’s greener, but also because it’s an upgrade: quicker acceleration, a quieter, smoother drive and cheaper running costs.
“We now have more public chargers than petrol pumps, longer ranges and up to £3,750 off an eligible new EV through our Electric Car Grant. Going electric is increasingly a no-brainer, and that’s great news for drivers, our economy and the planet.”
What are the most popular EVs in 2026?
Here are the 10 best-selling BEVs (battery electric vehicles) in the UK so far this year:
Make and model | Number of new registrations |
Tesla Model 3 | 9,929 |
Tesla Model Y | 5,946 |
BYD Sealion 7 | 3,191 |
BYD Seal | 3,184 |
Kia EV3 | 3,026 |
Skoda Enyaq | 2,214 |
Volvo EX30 | 1,961 |
Mercedes CLA | 1,921 |
Skoda Elroq | 1,897 |
Leapmotor B10 | 1,883 |
Source: SMMT
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