# UK electric-car sales are rising: should your next car be electric?

> Electric registrations continue to rise in the UK. Use your real driving pattern, charging access and total costs to decide what suits you.

Canonical: https://motorbook.uk/articles/uk-ev-sales-2026/
Last updated: 2026-09-25

Buying: EVs

Electric registrations continue to rise in the UK. Use your real driving pattern, charging access and total costs to decide what suits you.

Nathan James · Published 25 September 2026 · Last checked 25 September 2026

TL;DR

Charging access and routine are often more important than a headline range figure. Start with the journeys you actually make in a typical month.

The UK new-car market recorded its ninth consecutive month of growth, while battery-electric registrations continued to rise. That means more choice for buyers, but not that an EV is automatically right for every household.

## Start with your real driving pattern

- Can you charge at home or at work?
- How many miles do you drive between longer journeys?
- Can your usual public chargers support your route?
- Would a slower overnight charge cover most of your needs?
- Are you comparing the full cost, including insurance and tyres?

## New or used?

New cars offer the latest battery technology and warranty terms, but a used EV can make electric driving more accessible. With any used vehicle, check the history, condition, warranty and independent inspection options before you commit.

## What the market figures do and do not tell you

Registration data shows what is being bought new across the market. It does not tell you whether a particular model suits your mileage, driveway or budget. Treat it as a signal about availability and choice, not a recommendation.

**Motorbook tip:** Whichever powertrain you choose, track fuel or charging costs and service work from the first month. Real ownership data is more useful than a showroom estimate.

**Source:** [Read the original source](https://www.smmt.co.uk/evs-lift-august-new-car-market-but-september-is-key-test/)

Motorbook is independent and is not affiliated with DVLA, DVSA or GOV.UK.

**Written by Nathan James**, the developer of Motorbook, an independent UK car-admin app for iPhone.

[Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanjamesnjoy/)