UK EV Sales Reach Milestone in October
Battery-electric cars took 32% of the UK’s new car market in October, while petrol cars fell to just 37.2%, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The overall UK market grew 5.4% year-over-year with 152,730 new car registrations, marking the 11th straight month of growth. Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) registrations jumped 32.7% to 48,858 units, and plug-in hybrids rose 30.1% to 22,898 units. Meanwhile, petrol registrations fell 11.6% to 56,876 units, diesel dropped 15.9%, and conventional hybrids declined by 5%.
Year-to-Date Growth and Market Share Shifts
Through the first 10 months of the year, the UK registered 503,805 BEVs, representing a 30.4% increase and a 26.6% market share. Petrol’s year-to-date share dropped to 41.1%, down from 47.2% during the same period last year. Comparing historical SMMT data from March 2024—when petrol held 55.9% and BEVs held 15.2%—linear trends indicate that electric vehicles and petrol cars are on track to cross paths around August 2027. However, historical spikes in December driven by automakers pursuing ZEV Mandate targets could accelerate this timeline.
Industry Response and ZEV Mandate Targets
Despite the growth, the SMMT continues to push the government to cut ZEV Mandate targets. The mandate requires 33% of 2026 sales to be zero-emission, but the SMMT forecasts a full-year BEV share of 27.2%. The trade group projects a 32% share next year against a 38% target, and 37.5% in 2028 against a 52% target. The SMMT cited industry spending on discounts, 0% financing, deposit contributions, and subsidized charging, alongside a new EV-specific road tax starting in 2028 and a 20% VAT on public charging.
Top-Selling Models and Brand Performance
Several brands saw rapid growth in the UK market in October. BYD registrations rose 73% to 6,065 cars, Jaecoo more than doubled to 6,089 units, Chery nearly tripled to 3,707 units, Leapmotor doubled to 1,773 units, and MG increased by 85%. Tesla registered 282 cars in October, down 45% from 511 a year ago, though the brand remains up 31% year-to-date at 46,526 units. October’s top 10 BEVs were led by the Skoda Enyaq with 1,568 units, the Mini Countryman with 1,494 units, and the Jaecoo 5 with 1,465 units.
Practical Takeaway
For European buyers and market observers, the shifting UK registration figures demonstrate that tightening emissions policies and aggressive manufacturer pricing are actively closing the gap between combustion engines and electric vehicles, even amid ongoing debates over regulatory targets and public charging taxes.
Source: Original report