Brief
UK electric car registrations hit 99,199 in September as diesel prices top £2 per litre
September’s EV registrations surged 36.3% to 99,199, driven by high diesel prices and new model choices.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Britain’s electric‑car market recorded its busiest month in September 2026, with 99,199 all‑electric vehicles registered, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) as reported by the Independent. The figure represents a 36.3% increase on September 2025 and gave EVs a 28.3% share of new‑car sales, up five percentage points from a year earlier.
The surge coincided with the average price of a litre of diesel rising above £2 for the first time, a development the outlet linked to stronger consumer interest in electric models. The Chinese‑made Jaecoo 7 topped the monthly chart with 10,813 registrations, its second best‑selling position this year. Tesla’s Model 3 placed second overall, while Ford’s Puma, Kia Sportage and Tesla Model Y completed the top five.
Other notable entries in the top ten included the Nissan Qashqai, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf, MG HS and Audi A3. The gap between the seventh‑placed Corsa (5,498 registrations) and the Golf (5,496) was just two units. Over the year to date, Ford’s Puma leads with 42,926 registrations, followed by the Jaecoo 7 (39,473) and Kia Sportage (37,085).
The broader new‑car market also grew, with total registrations rising 12.1% to 350,518 – the strongest September since 2017 and the tenth consecutive month of growth. Private buyers accounted for 149,158 registrations (up 13.9%), while fleet sales reached 190,988, a 9.6% increase.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the record performance reflects both expanding model choice – the number of fully electric models more than doubled since 2023 to 178 – and high fuel prices prompting consumers to consider electric alternatives.
Key facts
- 99,199 electric vehicles were registered in the UK in September 2026 (independent.co.uk)
- EVs accounted for 28.3% of new‑car sales in September, up five points year‑on‑year (independent.co.uk)
- The Jaecoo 7 was the best‑selling new car with 10,813 registrations (independent.co.uk)
- Average diesel price in the UK passed £2 per litre for the first time (independent.co.uk)
- Total new‑car registrations rose 12.1% to 350,518, the strongest September since 2017 (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “New EV sales hit record high as diesel costs soar”
