- Fresh data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that March 2026 was the best month on record for new EV registrations.
- 86,120 new battery electric vehicles were registered throughout the month, marking a 24.2% year-on-year rise.
- March is typically the busiest month for new car registrations with the introduction of the latest number plate dates, but these figures still show EV registrations growing reliably year-on-year.
Electric car registrations continue to grow in the UK
A total of 380,627 new cars were registered in March, with fully-electric cars accounting for 22.4% (86,120 units) of this figure. This makes it the best month ever recorded for new EV registrations, as manufacturers boost production of their electric models amid rising demand.
For 2026, the ZEV mandate demands that 33% of new cars must be electric – significantly higher than the 22.4% recorded in March. Manufacturers can use the Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes to comply with this 33% target, but it still shows a need for EV messaging and marketing to pick up in order for the 2030 and 2035 deadlines to remain achievable.
While surging oil prices has seen increased online interest for EVs (as seen through both Google search figures and retailers such as Auto Trader), this boosted interest is unlikely to have yet contributed to the latest registration figures. The monthly SMMT figures over the next few months will show whether that piqued interest leads into conversions and more registrations. In the short term, these oil price rises make EVs even cheaper to run than their fossil fuelled counterparts, but a prolonged conflict could lead to supply chain issues that also affect new EV supply.
The large number of affordable electric cars set to hit the market over the next year could also help push EV registrations up, as consumers tighten their purse strings.
Jamie Hamilton, automotive partner and head of electric vehicles at Deloitte, reacted:
“With uncertainty around the cost of fuel, electric vehicle (EV) enquiries are on the up, as consumers look to electric as an attractive alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles. While concerns around the cost of living persist, manufacturers and dealers face the challenge of enticing consumer spending at a time when many are protecting their budgets. When it comes to EVs, incentivising buyers will not only come from an attractive price point, but in the form of equitable charging infrastructure for all – particularly those without access to off-street parking.”
