Britain’s transition to low‑carbon mobility has accelerated dramatically over the past decade, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) moving from niche novelties to mainstream offerings across every segment of the market.
New figures revealed at the
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Test Day 2026 at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire show that UK drivers now have access to 167 BEV models, compared with just 14 in 2016. This twelve‑fold increase reflects a fundamental shift in the automotive landscape, with electric cars now representing 40.9% of all available models.
A decade ago, limited range, higher costs and restricted model choice constrained uptake. Today, by contrast, motorists can select from a broad spectrum of vehicles, from compact city cars to premium SUVs and luxury saloons. Even Britain’s renowned performance marques are embracing electrification, initially through hybridisation and with fully electric plans in development.
The expansion has been underpinned by sustained manufacturer investment, with 51 brands now offering BEVs in the UK, up from 12 in 2016. Alongside increased choice, technological progress has significantly enhanced usability, with average electric driving range now exceeding 300 miles – well above the typical weekly mileage of around 127 miles for most UK motorists.
Electrification is not limited to pure electric models. Hybrid and plug‑in hybrid vehicles now account for 42.3% of all available cars, up from 16.2% a decade ago. Combined with BEVs, electrified drivetrains are present in 83.6% of models on sale, compared with less than 20% in 2016, offering consumers a wide range of lower‑emission options.
Market uptake has followed this rapid expansion. Zero‑emission car registrations have surged from just 10,264 units in 2016 to 473,346 last year, increasing market share from 0.4% to 23.4%. Momentum has continued into 2026, with registrations up 22.1% in the first four months to 176,698 units, representing a 23.1% share. However, this remains below the government’s 33% target, underlining continued challenges in accelerating mass adoption.
The environmental impact has been significant, with 36.6 million tonnes of CO₂ saved since 2016 – equivalent to the annual emissions of more than nine million homes. Nevertheless, industry leaders caution that demand still lags behind regulatory ambition.
Manufacturers have invested heavily to stimulate uptake, offering over £10 billion in discounts since 2024, alongside support mechanisms such as the Electric Car Grant, now available on almost a third of BEV models. However, stakeholders argue that further action is needed on infrastructure rollout, charging affordability and wider fiscal incentives.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Ten years ago, electric vehicles were a curiosity for many drivers. Today, they are a core part of the UK new car market, with unprecedented choice, longer battery range and growing consumer appetite. Massive manufacturer investment has delivered this progress, but continued government action to accelerate demand and support manufacturer investment is essential to keep the transition on track.”
The shift extends beyond passenger cars into commercial vehicles. Zero‑emission van, bus and truck offerings have expanded rapidly, with more than 78 models now available compared with just five in 2016. Electric van choice has grown nearly eight‑fold, while the UK has become Europe’s largest zero‑emission bus market. Heavy goods vehicles, once absent from the sector, now number more than 40 models.