With EV registrations rising and the used market surging, NFDA Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) is marking World EV Day 2026 (9 September) by highlighting growing momentum in the UK’s switch to electric, while calling for continued action on affordability, charging and consumer confidence.
- New EV demand grows – BEV registrations rose 28.6% year-on-year, with 355,746 registered between January and August 2026
- Market share climbs – BEVs accounted for 25.6% of the new car market between January and August
- Used EVs surge – 110,761 used BEVs changed hands in Q2, up 67.0% year-on-year
- Record used market share – BEVs reached a record 5.5% of the used car market in Q2
- Charging network expands – the UK reached 121,171 public charging devices as of 1 July, including 28,887 rapid or ultra-rapid chargers
- ZEV Mandate under review – the Government’s review is now underway, with the consultation open until 23 October and examining annual targets, existing flexibilities and the pathway to 2030 and 2035
Developed by National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) and endorsed by the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and the Energy Saving Trust, EVApproved scheme certifies retailers against standards covering the EV customer journey, from choosing a vehicle through to charging and aftersales support. Arnold Clark Automobiles LTD and Bells Motor Group are among the latest to be certified.
World EV Day celebrates electric mobility and encourages more drivers to consider making the switch. This year’s theme, Switching Electric: driving down the cost of motoring, comes at a crucial time as EVs take a growing share of both the new and used car markets.
Symon Cook, from NFDA’s Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme, said:
‘The numbers show that electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly important part of the UK car market. World EV Day is a chance to recognise that progress and the increased consumer choice that is available’
NFDA EVApproved has supported greater transparency around used EV battery condition, including work to improve battery state-of-health reporting. They believe clear information, backed by knowledgeable and properly trained retailers, will be increasingly important as the market grows.
World EV Day also comes at a key time for UK EV policy. The Government is currently reviewing the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, with the consultation open until 23 October. The review will look at the targets and flexibilities within the Mandate, as well as the route towards the 2030 phase-out and the goal for all new cars and vans to be zero emission by 2035.
NFDA EVApproved believes the review provides an important opportunity to ensure the Mandate supports continued progress without pushing the market ahead of consumer demand.
Cook added:
‘The ZEV Mandate has an important role to play, but targets alone will not deliver a successful transition. Consumer demand has to keep pace and that means tackling the issues drivers actually care about – affordability, charging, choice and confidence.
‘On World EV Day, the message from the NFDA EVApproved scheme is clear: the UK has made real progress, but maintaining it will require Government, industry and retailers to keep the consumer at the centre of the transition.’
The scheme will continue to champion high standards across EV retail, helping consumers identify retailers with the knowledge, training and expertise to support them as the UK electric vehicle market continues to develop.
