UK May car registrations rise 7.1% to 160,662, EVs surge

The UK new car market recorded its strongest May performance since before the pandemic, with registrations rising 7.1 percent to 160,662 units. The increase was driven primarily by a resurgence in private buyers, whose registrations jumped 17.2 percent, buoyed by a wider choice of models and competitive manufacturer offers.

A surge in electric vehicle sales underpinned the market's growth. Registrations of pure battery electric vehicles rose 34.2 percent year-on-year, capturing 27.3 percent of the market—the highest level seen so far in 2026. Plugin hybrid registrations also grew strongly, increasing by 23.9 percent. This growth in electrified powertrains offset declines in traditional fuel types, with petrol registrations falling 7.1 percent and diesel declining 2.2 percent.

Industry officials attributed the rise in EV demand to several factors, including expanding model choice, substantial manufacturer discounting, and government support measures like the Electric Car Grant. Broader economic pressures, such as concerns over fluctuating fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions, were also cited as influencing consumer behavior.

The accelerating shift is reshaping the...