UK Electric Vehicle Sales Surge 36% in September 2026
UK electric car sales jumped 36% year-on-year in September 2026 to 99,199 units, capturing 28.3% of the market, driven by record model choice.
Electric car sales in the UK rose 36 percent year-on-year in September 2026, reaching 99,199 units. Battery electric vehicles captured a 28.3 percent market share that month. This surge contributed to a broader market where new car sales increased by more than 12 percent. Sales were more than double the rate from three years prior.
Model choice and incentives drive growth
The increase was driven by unprecedented model availability, especially in smaller segments. Compelling discounts and the government’s electric car grant also played a role. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders stated that since 2023, the number of battery electric vehicle models on the UK market has more than doubled to 178. Electrified vehicles now account for more than three-quarters of all new car models available. High fuel prices were noted as a factor encouraging consumers to consider electric vehicles.
Broader electrified market strengthens
The overall electrified vehicle market strengthened significantly in September. Plug-in hybrid sales surged almost 56 percent, claiming a 17 percent market share. Hybrid sales declined slightly by 4.2 percent, taking a 13 percent share. Combined, hybrids, EVs, and plug-in hybrids held a 58.4 percent market share. For comparison, gasoline-powered cars held a 37.6 percent share.
| Vehicle Type | UK Market Share (Sept 2026) | Year-on-Year Change (Sept) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Electric (EV) | 28.3% | +36% (units) |
| Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | 17% | +56% |
| Hybrid | 13% | -4.2% |
| Gasoline | 37.6% | Not specified |
Model availability across electrified types is now extensive. There are 110 plug-in hybrid models and 50 hybrid models available in the UK.
Chinese brands gain UK traction
Chinese manufacturers made major inroads, accounting for 20 percent of new UK car sales in September 2026. Brands included BYD, Jaecoo, Chery, Omoda, Changan, and Geely. BYD ranked second in total UK sales for 2026 year-to-date, behind Volkswagen. Its UK sales increased by more than 80 percent year-to-date, reaching 20,140 cars. The Jaecoo 7 was the second best-selling car in the UK year-to-date, with more than 10,000 units sold in September alone.
Globally, the UK's electrification pace contrasts with other major markets. In the United States in September 2026, hybrids had around an 18 percent market share, EVs around 7 percent, and plug-in hybrids less than 2 percent. The continued expansion of EV model choice, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, is expected to sustain growth in the UK electric vehicle market.
