Electric vehicle registrations strengthened during August as battery-powered cars secured almost a third of the UK new car market and Wales recorded the largest regional increase in overall registrations.
Figures from New Automotive’s Electric Car Count show battery electric vehicles captured 30% of all new car registrations during August 2026, with sales increasing by 30% compared with the same month last year.
The results made it the strongest August recorded for battery electric vehicle registrations, supported in part by changing fuel market dynamics.
Kia led monthly BEV registrations for the second consecutive month. Electric vehicles represented a record 45% of the manufacturer’s total registrations as the business prepares to launch its new small EV2 series.
The electric van market also achieved a record performance. Battery electric vans reached an all-time high market share of 17%, exceeding the real-world Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate target of 15.7%.
Year-to-date BEV registrations reached 25.5%, compared with an effective target of 24.6%. This performance has generated a system-wide surplus of compliance credits, led by manufacturers including Tesla and BYD.
Wales records strongest registration growth
Separate figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show August registrations were the highest since the introduction of the two-plate system.
The UK market grew by 13.7%, with 94,236 new cars registered during the month.
Fleet registrations increased by 10.1% and accounted for 57.2% of the market. Private registrations represented 40.8%, following a 19% increase compared with August last year.
Plug-in hybrid registrations recorded the largest increase and secured a 14.5% share of the market. Hybrid vehicles accounted for 12.7%, while battery electric vehicles represented 29.8%.
Wales enjoyed the largest increase in registrations, rising by 23.6% to 3,070 new cars.
Best-selling cars in August
| UK | Wales |
|---|---|
| Ford Puma | MG HS |
| Jaecoo 7 | Ford Puma |
| MG HS | Kia Sportage |
| Jaecoo 5 | MG ZS |
| Kia Sportage | Nissan Qashqai |
| Omoda 5 | Omoda 5 |
| Mini Cooper | Hyundai Tucson |
| Ford Kuga | Toyota Aygo X |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | Ford Kuga |
| Vauxhall Frontera | Kia Picanto |
Despite the rising number of low-emission vehicles, the headline BEV market share remains below the Government’s 33% mandate. This continues to cause concern within the Treasury, the Environment Department and automotive manufacturers.
Welcoming the August increase, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the real test would come with September’s registrations. He said consumers still needed confidence in the charging network, financial support and incentives.
The Government’s decision to review the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate is also expected to play an important role in the market’s future growth.
UK vehicle production declines
The registration figures follow the SMMT’s announcement that UK vehicle production declined by 11.6% in July to 63,655 units.
Car production fell by 10.6%, while commercial vehicle output declined by 34.4%.
Exports were down by 15.9% to 47,377 units. The SMMT attributed the decline to weaker export demand and the earlier scheduling of routine summer maintenance shutdowns at some manufacturing plants.
However, production of electrified models recorded its first increase of the year. Four in every 10 cars built during July were either electric or hybrid vehicles.
The sector has welcomed the Government’s review of the ZEV Mandate but is calling for meaningful regulatory reform alongside action on energy costs and international trade risks.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said, “Output could still reach one million units by the turn of the decade, but only if the UK addresses its competitiveness and secures fresh model investment.
“Government’s recently launched ZEV Mandate review is welcome, providing an opportunity to make meaningful reforms to the regulation that, with stronger market enablers, would help reduce the high cost of selling EVs in the UK, which is currently a major deterrent for global investors.”
Industrial energy costs remain another significant challenge for UK manufacturers. Despite the forthcoming British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, costs are expected to remain around 60% higher than those faced by competitors in Europe.
The industry is also seeking action to address two potential threats to UK and EU automotive trade.
The European Commission’s proposed ‘Made in the EU’ measures could make UK-produced vehicles less competitive in European markets. Tougher rules of origin requirements under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement are also due to come into force in January.
