UK EV registrations rose sharply in January, with battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles together accounting for nearly one-third of all new cars registered, underlining the continued shift away from petrol-powered models.
New data from New Automotive shows that battery electric vehicles made up 20.9 per cent of new registrations in January 2026, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles accounted for a further 11.9 per cent. Combined, UK EV registrations exceeded those of petrol cars, which represented 28.1 per cent of the market.
Although neither BEVs nor PHEVs individually dominated registrations, their combined performance matched the strong showing of hybrid electric vehicles, which led all powertrains with a 33.9 per cent share. Hybrids also recorded the highest number of new registrations overall, continuing a trend that has seen HEVs top monthly sales figures for most of the past 18 months.
The growth in UK EV registrations came despite a softer overall car market. Total new registrations in January were 4.6 per cent lower than a year earlier, while BEV registrations dipped compared with December following an unusually strong end to 2025. However, year-on-year figures tell a different story, with BEV registrations up 29.6 per cent and PHEVs rising 19.9 per cent compared with January last year.
Industry analysts said the January data reflects timing and supply dynamics rather than weakening demand. They noted that manufacturers often adjust product mix early in the year, particularly as they balance emissions compliance strategies and incentives.
The figures also suggest progress toward the UK’s zero-emission vehicle targets. Several manufacturers are already on pace to meet what New Automotive describes as the market-adjusted ZEV threshold, which factors in emissions performance across both electric and non-electric models.
Automakers including BYD, Tesla, Renault, Ford and Geely recorded sufficient zero-emission sales in January to stay aligned with the adjusted target, while some are also tracking toward the full ZEV mandate later this year. Despite selling fewer vehicles overall, Tesla again recorded 100 per cent zero-emission sales for the month.
Charging infrastructure operators cautioned against drawing conclusions from a single month. They said interest in electric vehicles remains strong, supported by falling running costs, expanding public charging networks and increasing consumer familiarity with EV technology.
Industry leaders added that the longer-term direction remains clear. Petrol and diesel vehicles continue to lose share, while electrified powertrains are steadily becoming the mainstream choice for UK drivers.
