New statistics from the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that there are now a record 167 fully-electric car models on the market, with EVs now available at nearly every price point, vehicle segment, and style.
It’s impressive to see just how fast the UK’s electric car market has grown when it comes to vehicle choice. Rewind a decade ago, and just 12 electric cars were available on the UK market, including cars such as the first-generation Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, and Tesla Model S. Many of these models were hampered by high purchase prices and unimpressive battery range – but thanks to rapid developments in EV technology over the last decade, the latest roster of new electric cars easily overcome those initial barriers.
The average new EV now has a range of over 300 miles, and some of the latest models on sale, such as the BMW iX3, are now pushing 500 miles. When it comes to price, an ever increasing number of EVs are achieving price parity with their fossil fuelled counterparts, most recently evidenced with pricing for the Skoda Epiq. The ever-growing list of cheap and affordable electric models also means that more budget-limited buyers can easily make the electric switch for their next car.
The SMMT also estimates that UK electric car adoption since 2016 has saved the equivalent of 36.6 million tonnes of CO2 worth of tailpipe emissions, equivalent to the annual footprint of nine million UK homes. This figure alone shows how EV uptake, even now in the early-to-mainstream pipeline, can make a significant dent in the UK’s carbon footprint.
2026 has seen surging consumer interest surrounding electric vehicles, in light of rising oil prices. This focus on price could make even more UK drivers make the EV switch.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, commented on the 167 model milestone:
“Ten years ago, electric vehicles were a curiosity for many drivers. Today, they are a core part of the UK new car market, with unprecedented choice, longer battery range and growing consumer appetite. Massive manufacturer investment has delivered this progress, but continued government action to accelerate demand and support manufacturer investment is essential to keep the transition on track.”
