The number of fully electric car models on sale in the UK doubled in three years. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) published the figures on 23 September 2026.
The figures
171 battery electric car models are on sale, up from 86 in August 2023.
Makers launched 85 new battery electric models since 2023. That is about one new model every fortnight.
Buyers can also choose from 109 plug-in hybrid models and 52 hybrid models.
In total, buyers can choose from about 385 models from more than 60 brands.
SMMT says that 76% of the models on offer can drive without tailpipe emissions.
Why the choice grew
SMMT links the growth to years of investment by the makers. A new vehicle typically takes three to five years to develop and bring to market. So many of the models on sale today were planned years ago.
SMMT also says that strong discounts from the makers, and the government's Electric Car Grant, make the switch more affordable. SMMT estimates that the wider choice helps to cut new car CO2 emissions by more than half a million tonnes a year.
Range and choice
SMMT says that fully electric cars can now typically travel more than 300 miles on one charge. The average UK driver covers 127 miles a week.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of SMMT, said that the UK new car market "has never offered so much choice". He also said that zero emission motoring is now available in every shape and size of vehicle.
What more choice means for charging
More models in more sizes bring more electric vehicles onto UK roads. Drivers without a driveway depend on public charging. Larger vehicles, such as people carriers and vans, also need larger bays.
Onward designs its hubs for vans as well as cars. Every bay is 3.5 m wide and 7.0 m long, 75% larger than a typical public bay. Each hub has ultra-rapid chargers only. See the Onward hub.
Source
SMMT, EV choice doubles as new model hits UK market every fortnight, 23 September 2026.
