Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) accounted for 32% of all new cars registered in January 2026, according to independent transport research organisation New AutoMotive.
The figures reveal that BEVs accounted for 20.9% of the UK new car market, down slightly on January 2025. PHEVs accounted for 11.9% market share, a significant 27% year‑on‑year increase compared with last January.
In the van segment, electric vans saw their strongest January on record at 10.6% of new registrations in a month where nearly one in six of all new vans had a plug.
Hybrid EVs accounted for 33.9%, the most among vehicle types, while petrol vehicles accounted for 28.1%, an 18% decrease compared to last January.
According to New AutoMotive, with PHEVs being the standout performer at the start of year, this may be a signal of what is to follow in 2026. However, it says part of this growth reflects changes in compliance strategies, not solely underlying consumer appetite...